Patch Testing
What is patch testing and when is it recommended?
“Patch testing” is done by taping “allergens” under “patches” to your back. At Sora Dermatology, we may test up to 80 allergens at a time.
Patch testing will be completed over a course of a week. You will have 3 visits total: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Patch testing is recommended when your dermatologist suspects that the cause of your rash could be due to an allergic reaction.
What are my pre-patch testing instructions?
Two weeks prior to patch testing: Stop all immunosuppressive oral medications (such as prednisone or corticosteroid pills) but you can continue antihistamines (Allegra, Benadryl, Benylin, Claritin,Hydroxyzine, Levocetirizine, Loratodine and Zyrtec).
One week prior to patch testing: Stop all stop all antiinflammatory creams (such as Triamcinolone, Hydrocortisone, Clobetasol, Protopic and Elidel) to the back or shoulders.
What are my day of patch testing instructions?
Do not apply lotions, creams, or ointments to your back or shoulders
You may shower and apply deodorant
Do not wear white or expensive shirts since the marking pens that is used can sometimes transfer to clothing
What should I expect on each day?
You will come into the office and the patches will be applied to your back along with pen markings to help orient reading the allergens after removal
Day 1: Monday
You will come into the office and the patches will be removed.
Then first “read” will then occur to check if any of the patches caused a reaction
Day 3: Wednesday
You will come into the office for the final “read”
That day you will meet with your doctor about the results
Day 5: Friday
What symptoms are normal during patch testing?
Itching or irritation may occur, which is normal
Positive areas may look red or blister which may lead to discoloration that can persist
It may take days to weeks for any positive reactions to fully resolve. Topical medication can resolve this faster and will be discussed at your final visit.
If you develop a reaction at a site that was not positive at the visit on Friday, please take a photo and call our office 720-915-5343
How do I schedule my patch testing?
Please contact our office at 720-915-5343 or have your provider fax a referral to 720-615-4812.
What if I need to cancel or re-schedule?
Please call the office at least 24 hours prior to your patch application day.
There is a $200 no-show fee if you no-show, cancel or reschedule the day of your appointment. This is because once the patches have been opened and prepared the morning of the appointment, they cannot be used at a later date.