Helen
Without actually seeing the operation and being able to
assess where exposure is possibly occurring it is impossible to give a precise
suggestion as to what is happening. (It's a bit like trying to diagnose the
wife's illness without seeing her just from the husband's description of the
symptoms!)
It could be that the gilding foil has some form of
adhesive coating. Equally it could be that there is something in the paper and
the paper dust is getting on to the skin. Of course, these are mere
speculations.
We are not medically qualified and do not do patch
testing ourselves. However, if you need a recommendation I suggest you contact
me off line and when I know where you are I can probably recommend someone
local. It is important that when you send someone for patch testing you let the
dermatologist have a list of the various substances with which they may have
contact, otherwise he/she may not patch test with the right allergens and
you may not get a helpful diagnosis.
You can get me on 01386 832 311 or my mobile 07818 035
898
Best regards
Chris Packham
EnviroDerm Services