Skin contact with gold and gold alloys

Abstract

3 types of reaction to gold merit discussion. First, there is the effect known as black dermographism, in which stroking with certain metals immediately produces well-defined black lines on the skin. Some gold alloys are amongst such metals. The evidence indicates that the effect is the result of impregnation of the skin with black metallic particles generated by mechanical abrasion of the metal by contaminants of the skin. There is no positive and unequivocal evidence of the ability of metals to mark uncontaminated skin so rapidly that it is possible to write upon it. Secondly there are the 2 related phenomena of the wear of gold jewelry, and the susceptibility to certain individuals to blackening of the skin where it is in contact with such jewelry. The occurrence of smudge, as it is often called, is not very common, but is brought to the attention of most jewelers from time to time. In extreme cases it may make it embarrassing for the person concerned to wear metallic jewelry. It would appear as if gold smudge also results mainly from mechanical abrasion of jewelry, though this may be aided and/or supplemented in some instances by corrosion of gold or gold alloy induced by certain components of the sweat. Finally, there is the question of true allergic responses to contact of the skin with gold and its alloys. Judging from the very few cases which have been recorded, such responses are extremely rare. Some recent observations on the reactions of metallic gold with amino acids and of reaction to contact of the skin with gold on the part of rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing gold therapy, are, however, relevant in this connection.

Intrinsic therapeutic applications of noble metal nanoparticles: past, present and future

“…Gold is also used in small quantities in dental prostheses, pastries, chocolates and sometimes in alcoholic beverage 181 . Nonetheless, enzymes from saliva can transform gold (0) to gold (I), which is consequently engulfed by immune cells 181, 299 . By and large the observed toxicity for gold (I) compounds is skin and mucous hypersensitivity along with macular and papular rash, esosinophilia, erythema nodosum and various other allergic reactions 300 .…”

Gold Nanoparticles: A Revival in Precious Metal Administration to Patients

“…6 However, gold (0) can, in very minute amounts, be converted to gold (I) by amino acids contained in sweat and saliva which can then be absorbed through the skin or gingival mucosa and later enter phagocytic and antigen presenting cells. 40 That notwithstanding, the metabolic impact of this is usually insufficient to evoke clinical symptoms. 6 Moreover, as gold (0) is readily available, has a very low toxicity profile and can be made into a consistently small size and shape, it has been used as a delivery vehicle for gene therapy.…”

Gold und seine anorganischen Verbindungen [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2006]

“…Bei einer Patientin mit Kontaktekzem der Ohrläppchen wurden mit einer Mikro-Rönt-genanalyse noch vier Monate nach Entfernung der Ohrringe Goldspuren im Gewebe nachgewiesen (Suzuki 1998 Weitere, zumeist ältere Berichte über Sensibilisierung durch Gold bzw. Goldverbindungen sind in mehreren Übersichtsarbeiten zusammengefasst Bruze und Andersen 1999;Cronin 1980;Hostynek 1997;Isaksson und Bruze 2000;Rapson 1985). Einige Mitteilungen betreffen Patienten mit vermutlichen Unverträglichkeiten von Zahn(ersatz)materialien und Symptomen an Pharynx, Larynx oder Mundschleimhaut (Aro et al 1993;Fregert et al 1979;Kilpikari 1997;Klaschka 1975 Tvinnereim et al 2003;Schöpf et al 1970).…”