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Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate. A comparative study
R Silva1, F Pereira, O Bordalo
1Clínica Dermatológica Universitária, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal.
Contact Dermatitis
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Contact allergy to gold, particularly gold sodium thiosulfate, affects 0.78% of patients, primarily women with pierced ears. Nickel and cobalt allergies were common among gold-allergic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Gold compounds are used in jewelry and medical treatments, posing a risk for allergic reactions.
- Previous studies have indicated varying frequencies of gold allergy globally.
- Standardization of patch testing for gold allergens is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reactivity of gold sodium thiosulfate and potassium dicyanoaurate in patch testing.
- To determine the prevalence of contact allergy to gold in the studied population.
- To compare findings with international data and assess clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of gold sodium thiosulfate and potassium dicyanoaurate in the standard patch test series.
- Routine patch testing of 2853 patients.
- Administration of a standardized questionnaire to 168 patients.
Main Results:
- Contact allergy to gold was identified in 23 patients (0.8%), all female.
- Gold sodium thiosulfate was the primary allergen (0.78%), with only one case reacting to potassium dicyanoaurate.
- Pierced ears and gold jewelry exposure were common among reactors; significant co-allergies to nickel and cobalt were noted.
Conclusions:
- Gold sodium thiosulfate is a significant contact allergen, warranting its inclusion in standard patch testing.
- The study highlights the association between gold allergy, ear piercing, and jewelry exposure.
- Concurrent nickel and cobalt allergies are more frequent in patients allergic to gold sodium thiosulfate.