Pityriasis rosea and discoid eczema: dose related reactions to treatment with gold.

Sixteen cases of either a pityriasiform or discoid eczematous rash occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving treatment with gold (sodium aurothiomalate and auranofin) were studied. The results suggest that this is a dose related, not allergic, reaction to gold. The development of this rash is not an absolute indication to stop treatment with gold. Control can often be effected with potent topical steroids or a reduction in the dose or frequency of treatment with gold.