Patch Skin testing

Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy
Dr. Samyukta Koppula, MD

Patch skin testing is used to determine whether a persistent rash or dermatitis is caused by direct skin contact with an allergen. This type of testing is especially helpful for patients with ongoing eczema, contact dermatitis, or unexplained rashes.

At Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy, I offer patch skin testing for children and adults in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, and surrounding western suburbs of Chicago. Identifying contact allergens allows us to create a precise treatment and avoidance plan tailored to you or your child.

Preparing for Patch Skin Testing

Proper preparation is essential to ensure accurate results. Please review these instructions carefully and speak with me before stopping any prescription medications. If certain medications are not stopped as directed, testing may need to be postponed.

Skin preparation

  • Your skin should be as clear as possible for two weeks before testing, if feasible

  • Avoid sun exposure to the back for one week prior to testing

Medication instructions

  • Stop topical steroid creams or ointments applied to the back one week before your appointment

  • Stop oral corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) three to five days before testing

  • Continue all other medications unless instructed otherwise

Day-of instructions

  • Do not apply lotions, creams, or ointments to your back for at least four hours before your appointment

What happens during patch skin testing?

Patch testing takes place over several visits during the same week.

At your first visit, small amounts of suspected allergens are placed on your skin using adhesive panels. These panels usually consist of two or three rectangular strips containing multiple pre-applied allergens. In some cases, individual allergens may be applied separately.

The panels are typically placed on the back and secured with medical-grade adhesive designed to keep them in place for 48 hours.

After two days, you will return to our office to have the panels removed and the skin evaluated for reactions. A follow-up visit one to two days later is necessary for a final reading, as some reactions develop more slowly.

While the patches are in place

To ensure accurate results, please follow these guidelines:

  • Keep the patches and surrounding skin dry

  • You may take a sponge bath or shallow bath, but avoid getting your back wet

  • Avoid exercise, heavy physical activity, and anything that causes sweating

  • If you experience significant itching, burning, or discomfort under a patch, remove it and contact our office

How long does patch skin testing take?

Patch testing typically requires three to four office visits, each lasting approximately 30–40 minutes.

Patch testing close to home

Patients from Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, and nearby Chicago suburbs choose Praana Center for Asthma and Allergy for careful evaluation of contact dermatitis and personalized allergy care.

If you or your child have a persistent rash that has not improved with standard treatment, patch skin testing may be an important next step.

Request an appointment with Dr. Samyukta Koppula to learn more about patch skin testing and contact allergy evaluation.

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