Contact Dermatitis Clinic

We test to 80 of the most commonly identified allergens as suggested by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. For example, fragrances, preservatives, metals, rubbers, adhesives and dyes which are commonly found in personal care products or in the workplace are included. Your dermatologist will determine if additional screening allergens are required.

Typically, we place the patches on your back where there is enough surface area to apply the patches. The skin on your back is relatively immobile which helps keep the patches in place. If for any reason we cannot patch test you on your back, there are other areas of the body where the patches can be placed (i.e. upper arms, upper chest).

During the first visit the patches will be applied to your skin and must stay on for 48 hours. At the second visit the patches are removed and any reactions that may develop are recorded. Sometimes contact dermatitis make take a few days to manifest a reaction, therefore a delayed reading is required one week after the application of the patches.