Patch testing for allergies
Patch testing tells us if a particular substance causes allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, including:
- Medications
- Fragrances
- Nickel and other metals
- Soaps, resins and household cleaners
We offer patch testing for 29 substances, detecting delayed allergic reactions, which take several days to develop. Patch testing requires three office visits – application followed by reaction measurement after 48 and 72 hours.
Patch testing does not use needles. Instead, allergens are applied to small cups which are held in place by tape, then put on your skin. You wear the patches on your back for 72 hours. Our nurse then removes them, and our allergist will assess your skin for a delayed onset allergic reaction.