[Cutaneous side effects of gold therapy. Clinical and histologic results]

Based on our own observations in 40 patients and a review of the literature the clinical and histological aspects of dermatitis caused by gold therapy are discussed. There is a broad spectrum of cutaneous side effects following gold therapy. In most of the patients a nonspecific dermatitis can be observed. The skin lesions may also mimic lichen planus, pityriasis rosea or various forms of eczema, obscuring early diagnosis. Histologically four types of reactions can be differentiated including a dermatitis type, vasculitis type, a lichenoid and an urticarial type.