Patch Testing for Skin Contact Rashes

If you are suffering from a persistent, itchy rash, swollen eyelids, or mysterious eczema that won’t go away, the culprit might be a hidden chemical, metal, fragrance or material touching your skin. Patch testing is a specialized diagnostic process completely different from standard allergy skin prick testing, designed specifically to pinpoint delayed contact allergies.

Symptom Checklist

Consider scheduling a patch test evaluation if you regularly experience:

  • Persistent Eczema Flares: Scaly, red, or leathery patches of skin that keep coming back in the same locations.
  • Localized Facial Rashes: Sudden swelling, redness, or peeling around the eyelids, lips, neck, or ears.
  • Occupational Hand Dermatitis: Chronic splitting, blistering, or itching on your hands, especially if you work with chemicals, metals, cosmetics, or industrial materials.
  • Unresponsive Skin Conditions: Rashes that only clear up temporarily while using steroid creams but flare back up the moment you stop.

Patches are applied to the back and left in place. There are no scratches or needles. You return in 48 hours to have them read, because a contact allergy shows up over days, not minutes. Do not get the area wet, shower or exercise hard while the patches are on. Most medications that need to be avoided for allergy testing DO NOT need to be avoided for Patch testing.

Schedule Appointment

No referral is needed. Call the office you want to be seen at.