Golden Rot

Golden Rot (or aureum putredine as it is scientifically known) is a mysterious disease that is caused by the wearing of golden rings and bracelets. The condition has no cure, and if left untreated can lead to death. 
The disease is highly feared, especially in the upper classes of society, as the believed cause of the condition is wearing too much golden jewellery.

Causes

Golden Rot is believed to be caused by the wearing of golden jewellery, such as rings and bracelets. However, some alchemists believe that the disease is caused by 'contaminated gold', which contains metals that are harmful to humans. However, this theory has not spread far and to many the Golden Rot remains a mystery.
Some people alternatively believe that Golden Rot is a divine disease; spread to those who are to prideful, gluttonous and boastful. In small religious communities, Golden Rot victims are shamed and shunned as impure heathens. 
Another cause of the disease can be the handling and the smelting of the ore, which predominantly affects the lower classes.

Symptoms

The symptoms begin on the fingers that wore the golden ring. A red indent will appear on the hand, with a soreness and a burning sensation. After two days, the red band will turn into a reddish-orange rash, and the skin around it will become yellow and jaundiced. The disease then spreads to the rest of the hand; creating orange blotches of skin. As this happens, the hand turns more gaunt and frail, and the skin thins dramatically.
As well as in appearance, Golden Rot can cause other symptoms, such as sickness and vomiting, nausea, unexpected bleeding, hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. 
If left untreated, Golden Rot can spread to the rest of the body, and can eventually become fatal.

Treatment

Golden Rot has no cure, and cannot be subdued or treated with conventional medicine. The only way to stop the spread of the disease is through amputation.
It's important to amputate the disease early, as once Golden Rot spreads to the elbow, it can spread to the whole body.

Prognosis

Once the disease has infected the hand, it will spread further up the arm with the same symptoms as before. Once the disease reaches the elbow, the infection spreads via the bloodstream. Patches of orange appear randomly across the body, and the body begins to wither. Another symptom of this stage is the skin thinning, which leads to increased bleeding and bruising. If Golden Rot reaches the mouth, it can also cause the gums to recede, leading to tooth loss.
Once the disease has spread, it becomes fatal. Causes of death can be metal poisoning, haemorrhaging, malnutrition, organ failure, and seizures.

Affected Groups

Golden Rot can affect anyone who wears golden jewellery. However, the most commonly affected by the disease are the middle and upper classes. Women are the most commonly affected, however there are many instances of men also contracting the disease.

Prevention

The condition is believed to be spread by the wearing of golden jewellry. Therefore to prevent catching the disease, many people wear gloves when wearing rings or bracelets to avoid contact with the metal. Some people also choose to avoid wearing gold in general; opting for silver, bronze, platinum or Elurian. 
There are local remedies and treatments, such as dipping hands in honey before wearing a ring, or wearing a counter-ring. However, these prove to be ineffective.

History

The earliest instances of the disease came from tales of miners, who dug and hauled 'cursed gold' from the mines, and died days later. However, these tales were often overlooked as fiction and fable. 
The first recorded and notable instance of the disease was Empress-Consort Lalovella of the Aaltzera Empire. After a royal gala, it was said that Lalovella became sick and bedridden for five days. When she was able to get up, she wore a glove over her right hand. By the seventh day, a rash had begun to develop across her body. On the tenth day, Lalovella collapsed during the feast, and was soon announced dead. Though the Emperor had previously assumed the cause was poison, physicists had determined that Lalovella had been taken ill by the metal of her ring. 
Since Lalovella's death, news spread across the Aaltzeran Empire, and across the many kingdoms and courts of Elurium. The tale of an empress, killed by gold spawned the names 'Rings Disease', 'Golden Hand' and later 'Golden Rot'.

Cultural Reception

Within the upper classes, victims of Golden Rot are often ostracised for their condition; mocked for their boastful displays of golden jewellery that caused the disease. To catch Golden Rot is seen as shameful, and will lead to disgrace within the upper classes. Because of this, victims of Golden Rot refuse to be amputated. Instead they hide their symptoms with gloves and long sleeves, hoping that the condition will soon disappear. Those who are amputated are shunned from the upper classes. Some victims are disowned or divorced, and forced to live a life of poverty. 
In middle and lower classes, the disease faces less stigma. However, lower classes that are unable to afford a doctor often go without treatment, and die as a result.

Type

Chemical Compound

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Unique