Patch testing
Patch testing is a method used to test for delayed-type hypersensitivity, or contact allergy, to different materials (chemicals, metals, dyes, perfumes, etc). Allergens are applied to the skin using an adhesive "patch", and any inflammation is recorded after 48-96 hours. Commercially available panels include many different common culprits, but individual agents can also be tested.
Dr. Brant Ward reviewed this
15 year experience in Allergy and Immunology
How long it usually lasts:
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Related questions
A 34-year old asked:
How long will it take to complete patch testing?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A female asked:
Can i shower when I have patch testing on my back?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A female asked:
Is patch testing necessary if I have eczema?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A female asked:
How accurate is patch testing for allergies?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A female asked:
Can i take a shower after i get a patch testing for allergies?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 43-year old female asked:
I don't want to have patch testing learned side effect can be relapse of contact dermatitis I know patch testing is ideal but what are alternatives?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 22-year old female asked:
Are you able to take a test besides patch testing to see if you are allergic to something? can a skin biopsy tell you if you are allergic to something? Or are their any other tests that you can do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A female asked:
Can patch testing indicate food allergies?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 22-year old female asked:
Are you able to take a test besides patch testing to see if you are allergic to something? can a skin biopsy tell you if you are allergic to a cosmetic or is there some other test that help determine if you are allergic to it
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 38-year old female asked:
Will patch testing diagnose allergy to something you ingest or is it only useful for testing for contact dermatitis?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 20-year old male asked:
Is it ok to take promethazine w/Codiene for a cough during allergy patch testing? What other meds should I avoid?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 43-year old female asked:
Hello I have a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of contact dermatitis and my dermatologist wants to do patch testing any alternatives afraid of side effects?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 43-year old female asked:
How do I find out if I have an allergy to silver dental fillings? What test do I ask for and is it patch testing or blood testing?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 23-year old female asked:
I have a deep red rash under my armpit. Have tried every high potency steroid it did not work. Patch testing unconclusive help! had for 6+ yrs. ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 45-year old female asked about a 16-year old female:
What does it mean if my 16 year old starts menarche while on estrogen patch? Dr said he'll do further testing if she starts menarche.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 33-year old male asked:
Can ANYTHING cause multiple false negative syphilis treponemal EIA antibody tests? For wrongly treated syph? Had symptoms that line up like palm rash and scrotum patches. Especially when testing ten years after possible exposure?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old male asked:
I'm currently getting patch tested for contact dermatitis. Can i take an antihistamine to relieve itching, or will that interfere with the test?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A member asked:
What does a swollen uvula with white patches and a swollen neck mean it is very painfull and it is not strep i was tested for that?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A male asked:
I have black itchy patches on my arms and it spreads , I have had this issue for three years and i also been tested for HIV /negative?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 23-year old female asked:
Sudden onset dry itchy skin on face/chest and isolated patches on arms. Recently tested for hypothyroidism, one test normal, other high. Poss cause?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old male asked:
Unprotected vaginal sex twice in one night. Got sick 1month after.Got tested for EBV & HIV 2months after the exposure. Ebv pos igg , hiv neg. STDs test herpes came back pos. Neg 4 gen hiv test at 6 months after exposure. Red patch on tongue. She hiv?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 21-year old male asked:
I have a red patch of dry flaky skin on penis. Started the day i finished 3 days worth of cipro (ciprofloxacin). Its not an STD i was tested for 1 in ER last week when i thought i had a kidney stone. Yeast infection?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 26-year old male asked:
Testing the app?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old male asked:
For testing purpose
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 32-year old male asked:
Testing the service?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old male asked:
for testing purpose
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 27-year old male asked:
Testing question, please ignore
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 47-year old asked:
What is reality testing?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 113-year old male asked:
Testing provider qn yes?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 48-year old asked:
Glaucoma testing for juveniles?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
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