Allergic Contact Dermatitis Patch Testing

An allergic contact dermatitis is caused by sensitivity to a chemical.  The chemical may be a fragrance, a preservative, a dye, or anesthetics for example.  Manifestations of allergic contact dermatitis include an itchy red rash that may or may not blister.  Think poison ivy as an example of allergic contact dermatitis or alternatively think of “eczema” if you have had that experience.

Eczema may or may not be caused by allergic contact dermatitis.  For example, an eczematous dermatitis may be atopic dermatitis, which is not an allergic contact dermatitis.  But an eczematous dermatitis on the foot may be from a dye in the processing or tanning of the shoe leather.

The importance of whether a rash is caused by allergic contact dermatitis should be obvious:  if the cause of a rash is allergy, unless one ceases to be exposed to that allergen, the rash is not really going to get better, although it may be improved by the use of various medications.

  Dr Sandy Martin at the prestigious Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery is pleased to offer allergic contact dermatitis Patch Testing, via the T.R.U.E. system of panels and other means.  The T.R.U.E. system consists of 3 panels which are applied carefully to the patient’s back via an adhesive.  There are 29 different allergens tested at the same time.  The panels are removed in 48 hours and the patient comes back to have the area read on the 3rd or 4th day too.  Patch testing does not hurt, although it may cause itching and irritation on the affected area.

Reactions that we look for include everything from a slight redness to a blistering reaction localized to the small panel where the allergen is applied.

Once we decide what, if anything you are allergic to, we can make recommendations on avoidance regimens that will help you with the rash.