Color Sensitivity: How Hue and Saturation Influence Food Selection in Nickel Allergy

Nickel allergy is the most common form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) worldwide, with notable gender differences in prevalence. While its dermatological effects are well-established, the broader neuropsychological and perceptual implications remain largely unexplored. This study examines the potential influence of nickel hypersensitivity on visual food perception, particularly focusing on how immune sensitization may alter sensory processing and emotional responses to food-related visual stimuli. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving participants with and without confirmed nickel allergy. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire assessing concerns related to food color, anxiety-related behaviors, vividness of mental imagery, and risk perception. Responses were rated using a Likert scale across various color categories. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models controlling for demographic variables. Participants with nickel allergy exhibited heightened concern for specific food colors and demonstrated more vivid mental imagery and greater avoidance behaviors based solely on visual appearance. These perceptual differences remained significant even after adjusting for demographic factors. Nickel hypersensitivity may influence food perception through enhanced sensory vigilance, suggesting that allergic contact dermatitis can extend beyond cutaneous symptoms to affect cognitive and perceptual domains. These findings have potential implications for dietary guidance, food presentation strategies, and a deeper understanding of the psychosocial burden associated with allergic conditions.