Skin Patch Testing

what is allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when an allergen comes into physical contact with the skin and an allergic reaction results. Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include itching, redness, warmth, swelling, cracking, pain, scaling and crusting. Skin can crack, bleed and ooze, depending on the severity of the reaction.

what can cause allergic contact dermatitis

Some common products that can cause allergic contact dermatitis include:

• Chemicals (such as harsh soaps)

• Household or Workplace Detergents and Cleaning Products

• Makeup Products

• Skincare Creams

• Nickel or Gold

• Fragrances, Perfumes and Aftershaves

• Rubber Gloves

diagnosis and confirmation of allergic contact dermatitis

We investigate for allergic contact dermatitis using patch testing. This involves allergen chambers being placed on your back. You will wear the patches for a 48 hour period and then they will be removed and the area reviewed for allergic reaction. A second assessment of the area will take place after another 24 - 48 hours to check for any late reactions.

You will need to keep the back area where the patches are placed completely dry for the duration of the patch testing process. Keeping the back dry involves avoiding water on this area and limiting body sweating (sports or exercise) as much as possible.

Positive reactions produce a patch of dermatitis at the application site of the allergen. The patch will appear as a red and possibly raised, vesicular and even blistering area.

treatment of confirmed allergic contact dermatitis

Treatment of allergic contact dermatitis is based on avoiding contact with the substance(s) that caused the reaction. If patch testing reveals that you are allergic to a certain allergen you will be given an information sheet regarding this allergen. Your patch testing doctor and the information sheet will help you to establish where you may be coming into contact with the allergen so that you can eliminate and avoid any contact with it.

allergens list

We test for reactions from 35 of the most common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis.