Fitness Trackers, Soy Based Foods Could Trigger Reactions In People With Nickel Allergies

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- If you've ever had a rash from earrings or a bracelet you probably have a nickel allergy.

It's not just costume jewelry that had nickel in it, as CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, it's also in many hi-tech devices and some foods.

Almost one in five people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11-million children in the United States. It's not a small problem.

These days nickel is found in everything from hip and knee replacements to health food.

Sue McCann's arms became itchy and irritated when she put on her electronic fitness tracker.

"I was very surprised that I developed a rash," she said.

McCann never suspected that her tracker could trigger what appears to be a nickel allergy. It's something dermatologists are seeing more often.

"Traditionally, we've seen nickel allergies in places like earrings or from belt buckles, but now we're tending to see it a lot on the wrist from electronic fitness trackers," dermatologist, Dr. Laura Ferris said.

One popular model was even recalled after thousands complained of skin irritation, which was later linked to nickel in the casing.

Now, some wearable companies are giving users a heads up that some contain traces of nickel and that some people have experienced allergies.

"Nickel reactions can range from a little local rash, infections of the skin, it can impact on sleep, it can certainly impact someone's occupation," Dr. Lawrence F. Eichenfeld said.

It's not just the fitness devices, a new bulletin from the American Academy of Dermatology said; "Some electronic devices including cell phones, laptops, and tablets may contain nickel."

"People who are really sensitive will break out from exposure and to even stainless steel because the amount of nickel that gets released is enough to make them sensitive, and show a reaction or rash," Dr. Eichenfeld said.

What you eat could also cause a problem, if you're extremely sensitive to nickel you may want to avoid soy products like soybeans, soy sauce, and tofu as well as licorice, buckwheat, cocoa powder, clams, cashews, and figs.

Manufacturers recommend wearing your watches and fitness trackers very loosely to avoid an allergic reaction.

Some companies are working with dermatologists to make their products less allergenic.

For other electronics dermatologists suggested putting a protective cover on the device.