What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin rash that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen or irritant. It can cause redness, itching, burning, and inflammation. Contact dermatitis is sometimes mistaken for atopic dermatitis (eczema), and in some patients, contact allergens may even worsen existing eczema symptoms.
One of the most well-known examples is a reaction to poison ivy, which causes a strong inflammatory response after skin exposure. However, many other allergens found in daily life can trigger similar reactions.
Common allergens include:
- Nickel (in jewelry, belt buckles, and electronics)
- Fragrances (in skincare and household products)
- Formaldehyde (a preservative in personal care products)
- Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) (found in hair dyes)
- Rubber chemicals, preservatives, and more
If you live in Austin, Kyle, or surrounding areas and have a persistent rash or worsening eczema, you may benefit from testing for allergic contact dermatitis.
What is Patch Testing?
Patch testing is the gold-standard method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. It helps identify which specific substances are causing your skin to react.
Here’s how the process works at Pure Dermatology:
- Application: Multiple allergens are placed in small chambers and gently taped to your back.
- Wearing period: You’ll wear these patches for 48 to 72 hours.
- Evaluation: After removal, our board-certified dermatologists examine the test sites for signs of redness, blistering, or irritation, which may indicate a contact allergy.
Patch testing can detect reactions to many substances you might not suspect, including everyday items like soaps, shampoos, detergents, and clothing materials. Once we identify your allergens, our team will guide you through how to avoid triggers and maintain healthier skin.
When to Consider Patch Testing
If you have:
- A persistent or unexplained rash
- Eczema that has recently worsened
- Ongoing irritation despite changing products
You may have allergic contact dermatitis, and patch testing can help find the cause.
At Pure Dermatology, with offices in Austin and Kyle, TX, our experienced dermatologists are here to help you find answers. Call us or book online to schedule your patch test and get expert care tailored to your skin.
