“Efficacy of the North American 80 series patch test?”
I was informed that numerous patches would be put on the back for later analysis. How are these patches created? How can they accurately reflect the individual "substance" that may be causing a serious allergic reaction in a patient? For four months I have been fighting a skin "rash"? problem. Medications have not helped. the Patch test has been suggested. I am dubious.
Male | 90 years old
Complaint duration: Four months
Medications: Dimethasone/triamcinolone/tacrolimus
Conditions: itching rash/welts/
2 Answers
Patch tests are intended to identify causes of contact dermatitis - such as the reaction to cheap jewelry which contains nickel and plants such as poison ivy. Such rashes are usually highly localized to the contact site and are inflammatory - the skin gets damaged and usually, the inflamed skin gets crusty. The rash is more than just red bumps or red spots. A generalized rash is unlikely to be this type, and with no history of contact with cosmetics or some other product in the area of the rash in a certain pattern, the tests are likely to be uninterpretable.
Patch testing is standardized and well studied/carefully formulated extracts of the most common chemicals known to cause allergic reactions. Each of the preparations is applied at the right concentration and vehicle to allow for the best detection. The patch test is only able to identify allergic reactions - in cases of nonallergic or contact irritant dermatitis the patch test will give negative results. So doing the test is the best way to differentiate between allergic and irritant dermatitis. Hope that helps.
Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com
Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com
