What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a type of rash that occurs when a patient is exposed to an allergen on the skin. Contact dermatitis may be confused with atopic dermatitis, and sometimes contact dermatitis may be a cause of worsening atopic dermatitis in a patient who has already been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
The prototypical contact dermatitis is contact dermatitis to poison ivy, in which exposure to the plant causes your skin to create a robust inflammatory response. However, exposure to a variety of other allergens can produce a similar reaction in different people. Many of these allergens we are exposed to in our everyday lives. Common allergens include nickel, formaldehyde (a preservative in some skin care products), fragrances, paraphenylenediamine (PPD) used in hair dyes, and more.
What is Patch Testing?
Patch testing is considered the gold-standard for diagnosing an allergic contact dermatitis. During a patch test, various allergens are placed in chambers that are then taped to the back. After 48-72 hours of wearing the patches, the patient returns to the office for patch removal and an examination of skin results. The results are evaluated by our board-certified dermatologists. Redness, blistering, or irritation at a particular site could indicate a contact allergy. Many seemingly innocuous everyday substances can be the source of your allergic skin irritation. Once your triggers are identified through patch testing at Pure Dermatology, we will work with you to discuss substance avoidance measures.
If you have dermatitis that is persistent with an unknown cause, or if you have eczema but it has worsened recently, you may have allergic contact dermatitis. At Pure Dermatology, we can help you identify the cause by performing the gold-standard test, patch testing. Additionally, our board-certified dermatologist will guide you through your test results, identify your allergens, and help you design a lifestyle that works around your allergens. Call today or book online to schedule your patch testing.
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