Do you often get rashes on your skin? Or are you uncomfortable due to a condition like `eczema`? Sometimes it is very difficult to find the cause of this, isn't it? In such a case, a `Patch Test` is a test that helps you find out exactly what you are `allergic` to. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is a 'Patch Test'?
Simply put, a patch test is a test that is done to find out what causes your skin allergies, especially contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a reaction that occurs within a few days of exposure to an allergen, which is a substance that causes an allergy. So, your doctor can use this test to find out what is causing your skin rash, eczema, or other skin problems.
In this test, the doctor applies patches containing small amounts of an allergen to your skin (usually your back). After two days, the patches are removed and the same areas are tested again. It sounds simple, right?
When should you do a 'Patch Test'?
Your doctor may ask you to do a `Patch Test` in the following cases:
- You often get skin rashes, or you have a condition like eczema, but you don't know what's causing it .
- If you suspect that something is causing your rash , you want to know exactly how your skin reacts to it.
- If you think you're having skin problems , whether it's from the things you use at work or in your hobbies , but you don't know exactly what's causing them.
- Before doing a specific job, you should check to see if you are allergic to the materials involved in that job .
What can be found with a 'Patch Test'?
This `Patch Test` can help you find out if you have an `allergy` to many things. Here are a few examples:
- Adhesives
- Fragrances and perfumes
- Disinfectants and antiseptics
- Ingredients in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and hair dyes
- Materials used to make clothes or shoes
- Metals (e.g. nickel, cobalt, gold)
- Preservatives
- Plastics and resins (e.g. epoxy or acrylates)
- Rubber and rubber-related products
- Skin medications (e.g., topical medications such as antibiotics or steroids)
Sometimes, there are special patches for people like hairdressers, healthcare workers, and construction workers that contain ingredients that they often come into contact with in their jobs.
How to do a 'Patch Test'?
This `Patch Test` takes about seven days. Unlike other `allergic reactions`, this `contact dermatitis` can take several days to develop.
Day 1: You will need to see a doctor (usually an allergist or dermatologist). The doctor will apply patches containing small amounts of the allergen to your back (or sometimes your arms). Each patch may contain 10 to 12 substances, either in the form of a gel or ointment. The doctor will tape the patches together, so that the gel sticks to your skin.
After you go home, you should follow your doctor's instructions about how to care for the test area. For example, do not shower, sweat, or get the patch wet . Moisture can affect the results.
After two days: The doctor will remove the patches and check the areas for any allergic reactions. You can usually take a shower after removing the patches. However, do not pick, scratch, or rub the areas too hard . Doing so may damage the skin and affect the results.
After another two days: You should go back to the doctor. The doctor will then look at the areas again to check for any reactions.
Most doctors will apply the patch on a Monday, remove it on Wednesday, and check it again on Friday. But your doctor will tell you the exact days.
How to prepare for the 'Patch Test'?
There are a few things you should consider before a `Patch Test`:
- Avoid exposing the patch area (preferably outside) to the sun and using tanning beds for two weeks before the test.
- Do not apply medicated lotions or creams to the area where the patch will be applied for at least a week before the test.
- Do not apply moisturizer to the patch area on the day of the test and during the test.
- If you are pregnant, tell your doctor . The patch test will not harm you or your baby, but changes in your immune system during pregnancy may affect the results.
- Allergy pills, or antihistamines, can be taken before or during the test . They will not affect the patch test.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications that weaken the immune system, such as prednisone . These can affect the results of the patch test.
- Your doctor may tell you to shave your back and/or arms the night before applying the patch. Use an electric razor to avoid damaging your skin .
- When you go to your first appointment and during the days you have the patch on, wear loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off . (For example, it is better to wear a button-down shirt because it is difficult to raise your arms while the patch is on).
- When you go to your first appointment and throughout the week of the test, wear dark-colored clothing, or clothing that won't get stained with the ink the doctor uses to mark the areas where the patch is applied .
- If your hair is long, tie it up when you go to your appointment . This will make it easier to apply and remove the patch.
- If you experience severe discomfort from the patch, ask your doctor for a number you can call .
What should you do during a 'Patch Test'?
During the entire week of the test, until the doctor does the final checkup, you should be very careful about these things:
- Do not move, loosen, or remove the patch unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.
- Avoid movements that could cause the patch to come off .
- Stay away from going to hot places and doing sweaty work .
- Do not pick, scratch, or rub the patch .
- Do not apply moisturizers, creams, lotions, soaps, or cosmetics to the test area.
- Tell your doctor if a patch comes off or moves away from your skin .
- Do not expose the patch or test area to sunlight .
- Do not get the patch wet .
Until your doctor says it's okay to shower, use a cloth to wash your body (except where the patch is). When washing your hair, wash it in the sink to avoid getting it wet.
What are the risks of the 'Patch Test'?
After the test, your skin may be slightly red and bruised. Or your skin may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin (`discoloration`). These things usually go away on their own in a few days.
However, very rarely, some people may have a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis. If this happens, it usually happens within a few hours of applying the patch. Ask your doctor what symptoms to look out for, when to call your doctor, or if you need emergency treatment.
What do the 'Patch Test' results mean?
The doctor will evaluate each ingredient in the patch separately. They will write down whether you had a `reaction` and how severe it was, using one or more plus signs (+). For example, one plus sign (+) means you had a minor `reaction`. Three plus signs (+++) means you had a very severe `reaction`. Items that you did not have a `reaction` to are written down with a minus sign (-).
How long does it take to know the results?
You will know the results of the `Patch Test` as soon as the doctor examines your skin. Some `reactions` appear within the first two days of the test (when the patch is removed and the first test is done). Some appear a few days later.
What to do next if the results are abnormal?
If your patch test shows that you have a reaction to certain things, your doctor will advise you to avoid using those things and products that contain them. You can give your doctor a list of products that contain the things you are allergic to and a list of products that are safe for you to use (a "safe list"). You can also download apps on your phone that help you identify and avoid these things. Your doctor will help you download and use them.
Sometimes, if the results are unclear or not as expected, the doctor may ask you to do the test again after a while.
When should I call the doctor?
If you experience severe itching or pain at the test site, call your doctor immediately . You can also ask your doctor if it's okay to take medications, such as antihistamines, to reduce the itching.
In an emergency, call 119 (or your local emergency number) if you experience any of these symptoms:
- If the test site is very swollen
- If your face, lips, mouth, or tongue swells
- If you have difficulty breathing, if you have difficulty swallowing
- If you feel light-headed or dizzy (this could indicate a sudden drop in blood pressure)
- If you get hives on many parts of your body (`Hives`)
- If you vomit
How difficult is the 'Patch Test'?
The `Patch Test` can be a little uncomfortable. The patches and tape can restrict your body movement, so it may feel a little strange and be uncomfortable in certain positions. For example, you may have to change your sleeping position.
If you are sensitive to a substance, you may experience itching or burning. This should not be painful. Ask your doctor what to expect, what symptoms to be aware of, or what to tell your doctor. If you experience severe itching or any unexpected symptoms, call your doctor.
Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your skin rashes and allergies. You may think this is the cause, or you may have no idea. However, a `Patch Test` can help you.
Final Take-Home Message
It can be frustrating when you have skin problems, especially when you can't find the cause. A patch test is a valuable test that can help you in times like these. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the area during the week of the test. Also, find out exactly when you can resume your normal activities. Never hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have before, during, or after the test. Taking care of your skin health is very important!
` Patch test, skin allergy, skin diseases, contact dermatitis, allergy test, eczema, eczema
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