Why would you need a comprehensive allergy patch test?
Many substances that come in contact with the skin can cause allergic contact dermatitis, also called allergic eczema. People with allergic contact dermatitis will experience redness, itchiness, flakiness, bumpiness, blistering or thickening of the skin when they come in contact with an allergen. This can be a long-term problem unless the cause is identified and avoided.
At Bay Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, we can perform a comprehensive patch test to help determine if your skin condition may be caused or aggravated by exposure to an allergen.
What Is Patch Testing?
Patch tests are a great tool for identifying responsible contact allergen(s), and also for excluding contact allergens. These tests use extracts of substances known to cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Instead of introducing them to the skin with needles, patches with these substances are applied to the skin. The ultimate goal of patch testing is to improve a patient’s skin condition by identifying contact allergens that may be causing it.
Knowing what the offending allergens are, will help you know what to avoid and can help in the treatment of your condition. The underlying cause of some rashes may be difficult to identify with patch testing, however, it offers a chance to identify what might be causing the rash.