The ionization of elemental gold is essential to induce contact allergy and to elicit allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It is understandable that gold, when present in a solution as a soluble or complex ion, may cause contact dermatitis. However, keeping the electrochemical nobility of gold in mind, it is not clear how metallic gold or gold alloys present in jewelry and similar products would react with body sweat at a rate sufficient to elicit an allergic reaction in gold-sensitized people. Notably, experiments in vitro with simulated sweat solutions have concluded little to no gold ion formation. Defining the role of gold in contact allergy has undoubtedly become a major challenge for dermatologists, as the evaluation of data presented in the literature regarding the release of gold in sweat is not conclusive.Less than two decades after gold was named “Contact Allergen of the Year” by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, research carried out at the Birmingham Assay Office AnchorCert Analytical Laboratory has now conclusively proven that, provided conditions are favorable, gold articles, both in plated and un-plated category, can react with bodily fluids such as sweat and release soluble gold ions which can potentially induce allergic contact dermatitis in gold-sensitized individuals. This paper provides an overview of the literature concerning gold allergy and gold-release data from various gold alloys and gold-plated materials, including those where gold release in sweat was conclusively detected and measured by the ICP-OES technique.We are continuing broader studies, conducted more rigorously, which are needed to firmly answer the questions raised in this paper regarding the condition and mechanism of gold dissolution in bodily fluids.

Author: Dippal Manchanda