Patch Testing

Patch testing is used to evaluate for the presence of allergies to chemicals encountered by the skin (allergic contact dermatitis). Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction which may make it difficult to know what is causing a rash. Patch testing is a simple process by which we apply the most common allergens to the skin and then evaluate for a reaction. The patches are typically placed on one’s back on a Monday, removed and evaluated on Wednesday with a final evaluation done on that Thursday or Friday.