What is it?

A patch test is a diagnostic tool for pinpointing allergic reactions or substance sensitivities. It is advisable if you experience symptoms like a rash or itchiness due to potential allergens in your environment, the air or materials.

It's essential to distinguish between a patch test and a skin-prick test, which detects immediate reactions. Patch testing is specifically designed to identify delayed reactions that typically manifest hours or days after exposure, providing valuable insights into allergen triggers for patients.

What to expect

Upon arrival at our office, one of our experienced dermatologists from The Skin Care Center will guide you through the procedure. We'll apply small amounts of allergens, the substances triggering your reaction, to your skin, covering each with a patch. These patches remain in place for 48 hours (about two days) to accurately assess your skin's response. While the patches may cause itching and discomfort, removing or disturbing them prematurely can compromise the results.

After 48 hours (about two days), you'll return to our office for patch removal and skin evaluation. This step allows us to identify the cause of your reaction accurately. Subsequently, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan, which may involve oral or topical medications, antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops or nasal corticosteroids. From there, we may ask you to come back for an additional follow-up appointment to ensure we have identified the root cause of the rash or allergic reaction.  

If you are experiencing an allergic skin reaction, The Skin Care Center is here to help treat your condition. Schedule your appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists in Lake Forest, Glenview or Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll create a tailored treatment approach for you.