What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when your skin reacts to a substance it touches. This reaction may cause redness, itching, burning, swelling, or blistering.
There are two main types of contact dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis – caused by an immune reaction to a specific allergen
Irritant contact dermatitis – caused by direct irritation of the skin
Allergic contact dermatitis is frequently mistaken for eczema (atopic dermatitis), and in some patients, contact allergens can worsen existing eczema symptoms.
A classic example is poison ivy, which triggers an allergic skin reaction after exposure. However, many everyday products contain substances that can cause similar reactions.
Common allergens include:
• Nickel (jewelry, belt buckles, electronics)
• Fragrances (skincare, cosmetics, and household products)
• Formaldehyde (preservatives in personal care products)
• Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes
• Rubber chemicals and preservatives
• Ingredients found in soaps, shampoos, and detergents
If you live in Austin, Kyle, or surrounding Central Texas communities and have a persistent rash or worsening eczema, testing for allergic contact dermatitis may help identify the cause.
What is Patch Testing?
Patch testing is the gold standard test for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis.
Patch testing helps identify the exact substances that trigger allergic skin reactions so they can be avoided in the future.
At Pure Dermatology in Austin and Kyle, TX, patch testing is performed by board-certified dermatologists and involves several steps:
Application
Small chambers containing allergens are placed on your back using adhesive patches.
Wearing Period
You wear the patches for approximately 48–72 hours, keeping the area dry.
Evaluation
After the patches are removed, we examine the skin for reactions such as redness, swelling, or blistering that indicate a contact allergy.
Patch testing can detect allergies to substances found in everyday items such as skincare products, hair products, cosmetics, detergents, clothing materials, and occupational exposures.
Once we identify your specific allergens, we provide detailed guidance on how to avoid triggers and improve your skin health.
Expanded Patch Testing (ACDS 80 Panel)
At Pure Dermatology, we perform expanded patch testing using the ACDS 80 panel, developed by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
This expanded panel includes 80 common allergens, making it one of the most comprehensive patch testing options available in dermatology clinics.
Expanded testing allows us to:
• Identify more potential allergens than smaller screening panels
• Detect less obvious reactions that standard testing may miss
• Provide more precise guidance for avoiding triggers
Because allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by ingredients in cosmetics, skincare, medications, fragrances, metals, and occupational exposures, expanded testing significantly improves our ability to find the cause of chronic rashes.
When Should You Consider Patch Testing?
You may benefit from patch testing if you have:
• A persistent or unexplained rash
• Eczema that is worsening or difficult to control
• Chronic itching, redness, or irritation
• A rash that keeps returning in the same location
• Skin reactions to cosmetics, jewelry, hair dye, or topical medications
Identifying the allergen responsible can often lead to dramatic improvement once the trigger is avoided.
Patch Testing at Pure Dermatology
Pure Dermatology provides comprehensive patch testing in Austin and Kyle, Texas for patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
Our board-certified dermatologists use expanded ACDS 80 allergen panels to help identify the cause of persistent rashes and eczema.
If you are experiencing a rash that is not improving or suspect a skin allergy, patch testing may provide the answers.
Call us or book online to schedule your patch test and get expert care tailored to your skin in Austin and Kyle Texas.
