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Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate
K E McKenna1, O Dolan, M Y Walsh
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Hospitals Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Contact Dermatitis
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) allergy was identified in 4.6% of patients with suspected contact dermatitis. Most affected individuals were female, experiencing eczema primarily on the head and neck.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis Research
Background:
- Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition.
- Gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) is a potential allergen used in jewelry and medical treatments.
- Identifying specific allergens is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of allergic reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) in patients with suspected contact dermatitis.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and demographic features of patients with GST allergy.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing was performed on 278 consecutive patients with suspected contact dermatitis.
- The European standard series and gold sodium thiosulfate (0.5% pet.) were used.
- Biopsies were taken to confirm patch test reactions.
Main Results:
- 13 patients (4.6%) showed a positive allergic response to gold sodium thiosulfate (GST).
- All GST-allergic patients were female, with a mean age of 37 years.
- Eczema commonly affected the head and neck (62%), with a seborrhoeic distribution. Limb involvement was noted in 46% and perianal/perivulval rash in 15%.
- 54% of gold-allergic patients were also allergic to nickel.
- Biopsies confirmed allergic contact dermatitis.
Conclusions:
- Gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) is an allergen that can cause contact dermatitis.
- Female patients are predominantly affected, often presenting with head and neck eczema.
- Co-allergy with nickel is common in patients allergic to gold.