Contact-Sensitivity to Gold as a Chronic Papular Eruption

Allergic contact sensitivity to gold with unusual features

“…Although we did not see our patient initially, on the basis of the history it seems likely that in the beginning she developed an eczematous contact reaction of the earlobes, but what makes this case unusual and striking is the subsequent development of the persistent papular lesions on both earlobes. Papular eruption due to contact sensitivity to gold has been reported (Shelley & Epstein, 1963). Their patient developed a chronic papular rash after he had rested his bare forearm on crystals of gold trichloride.…”

“…However, in the reported cases quite a number of gold sensitive patients reacted more readily to the offending jewellery and found their symptoms more troublesome in warm weather. Another aspect of allergic contact reactions to gold, that has been commented upon by different authors, is the persistence of reactions for weeks and even months after contact with the offending agent has ceased (Shelley & Epstein, 1963;Bowyer, 1967;Comaish, 1969).…”

Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis due to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride

“…Localised lymphomatoid reactions have been reported in allergic contact reactions to gold (Shelley & Epstein 1963). Thus, certain allergens may be more likely to produce this response.…”

Body piercing

“…6 Contact sensitivity to gold, presenting as a lymphocytoma with a cutis-like lesion (benign lymphoplasia infiltrating the dermal layer), can occur in the earlobes and other areas pierced with gold jewelry. [45][46][47][48][49] There also have been reports of a granulomatous response due to gold earrings, 50 or a mixed lesion of both types. 51 These lesions have responded to intralesional steroid treatment or surgical excision.…”