What to Expect with Patch Testing

An effective way to manage the chronic itching and inflammation of skin allergies is to avoid the substances that trigger symptoms. If you’re unsure what you’re allergic to, you can rely on the patch testing services available at Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, provides comprehensive care, including in-office skin patch testing for people with skin allergies (allergic contact dermatitis).

Dr. Bushore closely supervises testing to better understand how your body reacts to certain substances. He uses the results of your test to design a treatment plan to calm skin inflammation, irritation, and other allergy symptoms and prevent additional flare-ups.

Below, we provide an overview of skin patch testing and what to expect if you’re scheduled to have skin patch testing or need relief from chronic skin allergy symptoms.

Allergic contact dermatitis explained

Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that makes the skin hypersensitive to substances in the environment known as allergens. Allergens are typically considered harmless to one’s health but can trigger an inflammatory response in some people who come into contact with certain substances.

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include an itchy skin rash and oozing blisters. Common allergens that trigger these symptoms include:

• Pollen
• Metals
• Latex
• Insect bites
• Poison ivy and other plants

Preservatives, fragrances, and other chemicals in cosmetics, hair products, and personal care items can also cause an allergic reaction in the skin.

The basics of patch testing

Patch testing is a diagnostic procedure to identify substances that trigger an allergic response in your immune system in people with allergic contact dermatitis. Testing involves the application of diluted allergens on the surface of the skin to evaluate the reaction.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, uses the NACDG 80 patch test series that allows him to test for 80 of the most common skin allergens. He applies patches that contain small amounts of an allergen solution to your upper back. The patches remain in place for 48 hours and must be kept dry to ensure accurate results.

After 48 hours, you return to the office for patch removal. Dr. Bushore checks your skin to identify signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, redness, and itching. If symptoms are present, we discuss your options for treatment.

How to manage allergic contact dermatitis

Based on the substance causing the reaction and the severity of your symptoms, you may need topical or oral medications to calm skin irritation and inflammation.

We can also recommend lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce your exposure to contact allergens. For instance, if you’re allergic to certain ingredients used in skin care products, we teach you how to identify known allergens by reading product labels. If you do test positive to allergens, Dr. Bushore will review and give handouts on these allergens. He will also email a list of products free of your allergens. The email will contain your login information for the American Contact Dermatitis Society app for your phone so you can always have easy access to your safe products.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, also provides recommendations for cleansers, moisturizers, and other skin care products that nourish dry, itchy skin. Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics also offers facials and other treatments to safely rehydrate skin, so it looks and feels healthy.

 Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, today to learn more about the benefits of patch testing or book an appointment online.