Allergic contact dermatitis to gold

Gold is a relatively common allergen that appears to induce dermatitis abou t the face and eyelids, as well as at sites of direct cutaneous contact. In this study, 355 patients with suspected contact dermatitis were evaluated; 17 (4.8%) were found to be allergic to gold. Fifteen of these 17 patients were re-evaluated at >2 months after patch testing. When contact with gold jewelry was discontinued, 7 of 15 (46.7%) of the gold-allergic patients rep orted that their dermatitis cleared. In 3 of 7 patients (42.9%), discontinu ing contact with gold jewelry was the only modification to their behavior, whereas in 4 of 7 (57.1%), discontinuing contact with gold jewelry and othe r documented allergens was necessary to affect resolution. Despite continuo us contact with gold (jewelry and/or dental appliances), 7 of 15 (46.7%) of our patients had complete clearing of their symptoms by avoiding other doc umented allergens. None of our patients required the removal of dental gold .