Skip to main content
  • 214 Accesses

Abstract

Patch testing to gold is best performed with gold sodium thiosulfate 2.0% petrolatum. If negative and if there is a strong suspicion that gold allergy is present, 5.0% petrolatum can be used.

Reading of patch tests to gold is necessary both on day 3 or 4 and on day 7 not to miss contact allergy. Sometimes allergic reactions show up even later, up to 3 weeks after patch testing.

The frequency of gold allergy in dermatitis patients is high, around 10–15%.

The clinical relevance of gold allergy in dermatitis patients is rather low.

Gold allergy is correlated to dental gold.

The more dental gold, the higher the blood level of gold.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adams R (1983) Occupational skin disease. Grune and Stratton, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams R (1990) Occupational skin disease, 2nd edn. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahlgren C, Ahnlide I, Björkner B et al (2002) Contact allergy to gold is correlated to dental gold. Acta Derm Venereol 82:41–44

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahnlide I, Björkner B, Bruze M et al (2000) Exposure to metallic gold in patients with contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis 43:344–350

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahnlide I, Ahlgren C, Björkner B et al (2002) Gold concentrations in blood in relation to the number of gold restorations and contact allergy to gold. Acta Odontol Scand 60:301–305

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong DKB, Walsh MY, Dawson JF (1997) Granulomatous contact dermatitis due to gold earrings. Br J Dermatol 136:776–778

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aro T, Kanerva L, Häyrinen-Immonen R, Silvennoinen-Kassinen S, Konttinen YT, Jolanki R, Estlander T (1993) Long-lasting allergic patch test reaction caused by gold. Contact Dermatitis 28:276–281

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asthner B (1990) Textbook of electrolytic and chemical finishing (in Swedish). Ytforum Förlags AB, Linköping

    Google Scholar 

  • Björkman L, Ekstrand J, Lind BB (1998) Determination of gold released from dental alloys in saliva (abstract). J Dent Res 77:765

    Google Scholar 

  • Björkner B, Bruze M, Möller H (1994) High frequency of contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. An indication of gold allergy? Contact Dermatitis 30:144–151

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Björkner B, Bruze M, Möller H et al (2008) Allergic contact dermatitis as a complication of lid loading with gold implants. Dermatitis 19:148–153

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bowyer A (1967) Epidermal reactions and prolonged dermal reactions to patch testing with gold salts. Acta Derm Venereol 47:9–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DH, Smith WE, Fox P, Sturrock RD (1982) The reactions of gold (0) with amino acids and the significance of these reactions in the biochemistry of gold. Inorg Chim Acta 67:27–30

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruze M, Björkner B (1996) Patch testing with gold sodium thio-sulfate. Abstract 49, Jadassohn Centenary Congress, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruze M, Björkner B, Möller H (1995a) Skin testing with gold sodium thiomalate and gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis 32:5–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruze M, Hedman H, Björkner B, Möller H (1995b) The development and course of test reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis 33:386–391

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Budden MG, Wilkinson DS (1978) Skin and nail lesions from gold potassium cyanide. Contact Dermatitis 4:172–173

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cavelier C, Foussereau J (1995) Kontaktallergie gegen Metalle and deren Salze. Dermatosen Occup Environ 43:100–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Collet E, Lacroix M, Dalac S (1994) Allergie de contact á l’or métal et á ses alliages. Ann Derm Syph 121:21–24

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Comaish S (1969) A case of contact hypersensitivity to metallic gold. Arch Dermatol 99:720–723

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cowan MA (1960) Contact dermatitis due to gold. Br J Dermatol 72:348–349

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cronin E (1980) Contact Dermatitis. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekqvist S, Svedman C, Möller H et al (2007) High frequency of contact allergy to gold in patients with endovascular coronary stents. Br J Dermatol 157:730–738

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Elgart M (1972) Allergic contact dermatitis to gold. Arch Dermatol 106:254

    Google Scholar 

  • Elgart ML, Higdon RS (1971) Allergic contact dermatitis to gold. Arch Dermatol 103:649–653

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Felix B, Ducombs G (1993) Allergie professionelle á l’or. Lettre du GERDA 10:44–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher AA (1967) Contact dermatitis. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher AA (1974a) Ear piercing hazard of nickel-gold sensitization. JAMA 228:1226, letter

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher AA (1974b) Allergic reactions due to metals used in dentistry. Cutis 14:797–800

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher AA (1974c) Metallic gold: the cause of a persistent allergic “dermal” contact dermatitis. Cutis 14:177–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher AA (1987) Ear piercing and sensitivity to nickel and gold. J Am Acad Dermatol 17:853

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fleming C, Burden D, Fallowfield M, Lever R (1997a) Lymphomatoid contact reaction to gold earrings. Contact Dermatitis 37:298

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fleming C, Forsyth A, MacKie R (1997b) Prevalence of gold contact hypersensitivity in the West of Scotland. Contact Dermatitis 36:302–304

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fleming C, Porter D, MacKie R (1998) Absence of gold sodium thiosulfate contact hypersensitivity in rheumatoid arthritis. Contact Dermatitis 38:55–56

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Forestier JM (1929) L`aurothérapie dans les rheumatismes chroniques. Bull Soc Med Hop Paris 53:323–327

    Google Scholar 

  • Forster HW Jr, Dickey RF (1949) A case of sensitivity to gold-ball orbital implant. Eczematous contact-type dermatitis due to 14-karat gold. Am J Ophthalmol 32:659–662

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fowler JF Jr (1987) Selection of patch test materials for gold allergy. Contact Dermatitis 17:23–25

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fowler JF Jr (1988) Allergic contact dermatitis to gold. Arch Dermatol 124:181–182

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fowler JF Jr (1990) Allergic contact dermatitis to metals. Am J Contact Dermat 1:212–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox JM, Kennedy R, Rostenberg A Jr (1961) Eczematous contact-sensitivity to gold. Arch Dermatol 83:956–959

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fregert S, Kollander M, Poulsen J (1979) Allergic contact stomatitis from gold dentures. Contact Dermatitis 5:63–64

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaul LE (1954) Incidence of sensitivity to chromium, nickel, gold, silver, and copper compared to reactions to their aqueous salts including cobalt sulfate. Ann Allergy 12:429–444

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goh CL (1988) Occupational dermatitis from gold plating. Contact Dermatitis 18:122–123

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heise H, Beyer H, Rauschenbach D (1997) Ergebnisse der Epikutantestung auf Goldsalze versus Amalgam. Z Dermatol 183:68–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Helm KF, Marks JG Jr, Leyden JJ, Guzzo C, Krueger GG, Griffiths TW, Griffiths CEM (1995) Topical auranofin ointment for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 33:517–519

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holland RI (1980) Galvanic currents between gold and amalgam. Scand J Dent Res 88:269–272

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Iwatsuki K, Tagami H, Moriguchi T, Yamada M (1982) Lymphadenoid structure induced by gold hypersensitivity. Arch Dermatol 118:608–611

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kanerva L, Rantanen T, Aalto-Korte K et al (2001) A multicenter study of patch test reactions with dental screening series. Am J Contact Dermat 12:83–87

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kawahara D, Oshima H, Kosugi H et al (1993) Further epidemiologic study of occupational contact dermatitis in the dental clinic. Contact Dermatitis 28:114

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khamaysi Z, Bergman R, Weltfriend S (2006) Positive patch test reactions to allergens of the dental series and the relation to the clinical presentations. Contact Dermatitis 55:216–218

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klaschka F (1975) Contact allergy to gold. Contact Dermatitis 1:264–265

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kligman AM (1966) The identification of contact allergens by human assay. III. The maximization test, a procedure for screening and rating contact sensitizers. J Invest Dermatol 47:393–409

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kobayashi Y, Nanko H, Nakamura J, Mizoguchi M (1992) Lymphocytoma cutis induced by gold pierced earrings. J Am Acad Dermatol 27:457–458

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koch P, Bahmer FA (1995) Oral lichenoid lesions, mercury hypersensitivity and combined hypersensitivity to mercury and other metals: histologically-proven reproduction of the reaction by patch testing with metal salts. Contact Dermatitis 33:323–328

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koch P, Kiehn M, Frosch PJ (1997) Epikutane Testung mit Goldsalzen. Hautarzt 48:812–816

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Larsen W, Adams RM, Maibach HI (1992) Color text of contact dermatitis. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsson Å, Möller H, Björkner B et al (1997) Morphology of endogenous flare-up reactions in contact allergy to gold. Acta Derm Venereol 77:474–479

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leow Y-H, Ng S-K, Goh C-L (1998) A preliminary study of gold sensitization in Singapore. Contact Dermatitis 38:69–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marks JG Jr, Helm KF, Kreuger GG, Griffiths CEM, Guzzo CA, Leyden JJ (1995) Contact dermatitis from topical auranofin. J Am Acad Dermatol 32:813–814

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mc Kenna KE, Dolan O, Walsh MY, Burrows D (1995) Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis 32:143–146

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Merck Index (1983) In: Windholz M (ed) Merck index, 10th edn. Merck and Co Inc, Rahway

    Google Scholar 

  • Möller H, Björkner B, Bruze M (1996) Clinical reactions to systemic provocation with gold sodium thiomalate in patients with contact allergy to gold. Br J Dermatol 135:423–427

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Möller H, Svensson Å, Björkner B, Bruze B, Lindroth Y, Manthorpe R, Theander J (1997) Contact allergy to gold and gold therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 77:370–373

    Google Scholar 

  • Möller H, Ohlsson K, Linder C et al (1998) Cytokines and acute phase reactants during flare-up of contact allergy to gold. Am J Contact Dermat 9:15–22

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Möller H, Ohlsson K, Linder C et al (1999) The flare-up reactions after systemic provocation in contact allergy to nickel and gold. Contact Dermatitis 40:200

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Monti M, Berti E, Cavicchini S, Sala F (1983) Unusual cutaneous reaction after a gold chloride patch test. Contact Dermatitis 9:150–151

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nakada T, Iijima M, Nakayama H, Maibach HI (1997) Rôle of ear piercing in metal allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 36:233–236

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nonaka H, Nakada T, Iijima M (2003) Gold allergy in Japan. Contact Dermatitis 48:112–114

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park SJ, Lee CW, Hong MK et al (2002) Comparison of gold-coated Nir stents with uncoated Nir stents in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol 89:872–875

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petros H, Macmillan AL (1973) Allergic contact sensitivity to gold with unusual features. Br J Dermatol 88:505–508

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rapson WS (1985) Skin contact with gold and gold alloys. Contact Dermatitis 13:56–65

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Räsänen LR, Kalimo K, Laine J et al (1996) Contact allergy to gold in dental patients. Br J Dermatol 134:673–677

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Räsänen L, Kaipiainson-Seppanon O, Thyllykangas-Ludswarvi R et al (1999) Hypersensitivity to gold in gold sodium thiosulfate induced dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 141:683–688

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roenigk HR Jr, Handel D (1974) Gold vasculitis. Arch Dermatol 109:253–255

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russel MA, Langley M, Truett AP III et al (1999) Lichenoid dermatitis after consumption of gold-containing liquor. J Am Acad Dermatol 36:841–844

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabroe RA, Sharp LA, Peachey RDG (1996) Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. Contact Dermatitis 34:345–348

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schmollack E (1971) Berufliche Kontaktekzeme durch Kaliumgoldzyanid. Dermatol Monatsschr 157:821–824

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schöpf E, Wex O, Schulz KH (1970) Allergische Kontaktstomatitis mit spezifischer Lymphocytenstimulation durch Gold. Hautarzt 21:422–424

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz L, Tulipan L, Peck S (1947) Occupational diseases of the skin, 2nd edn. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Shelley WB, Epstein E (1963) Contact sensitivity to gold as a chronic papular eruption. Arch Dermatol 87:388–391

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sidi E, Hincky M (1965) Problèmes d`actualité concernant les dermatoses professionelles. Rev Fr Allergol 5:198–209

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silva R, Pereira F, Bordalo O, Silva E, Barros A, Gonçalo M, Correia T, Pessoa G, Baptista A, Pecegueiro M (1997) Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. A comparative study. Contact Dermatitis 37:78–81

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silvennoinen-Kassinen S, Niinimäki A (1984) Gold sensitivity blast transformation. Contact Dermatitis 11:156–158

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Somov BA, Khaimovsky GD (1964) Allergic dermatitis caused by aurum compounds in watch industry. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 10:33

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki H (1998) Nickel and gold in skin lesions of pierced earlobes with contact dermatitis. A study using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis. Arch Dermatol Res 290:523–527

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svedman C, Tillman C, Gustavsson CG et al (2005) Contact allergy to gold in patients with gold -plated intracoronary stents. Contact Dermatitis 52:192–196

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svedman C, Ekqvist S, Möller H et al (2009) A correlation found between contact allergy to stent material and restenosis of the coronary arteries. Contact Dermatitis 60:158–164

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Svensson Å, Theander J (1992) Skin rashes and stomatitis due to parenteral treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with sodium aurothiomalate. Ann Rheum Dis 51:326–329

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas I (1987) Gold therapy and its indications in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 16:845–854

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trathen WT, Stanley RJ (1985) Allergic reaction to Hulka clips. Obstet Gynecol 66:743–744

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van Gestel A, Koopman R, Wijnands M, van de Putte L, van Riel P (1994) Mucocutaneous reactions to gold: a prospective study of 74 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 21:1814–1819

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vassilopoulou A, Bertazzoni M (1997) Dermatite da contatto negli orafi. Bollettino di Dermatologia Allergologica e Professionale 12:9–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiesenfeld D, Ferguson MM, Forsyth A, MacDonald DG (1984) Allergy to dental gold. Oral Surg 57:158–160

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiesner M, Pambor M (1998) Allergic contact dermatitis from gold. Contact Dermatitis 38:52–53

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Young E (1974) Contact hypersensitivity to metallic gold. Dermatologica 149:294–298

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marléne Isaksson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this entry

Cite this entry

Isaksson, M. (2012). Gold. In: Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., John, SM., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_46

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_46

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-02034-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-02035-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics