Patch Testing

Patch testing is an in-office diagnostic test used to identify substances that may be causing allergic contact dermatitis, a common cause of chronic rashes and eczema.
Patch testing helps identify reactions to items such as:
• Fragrances
• Preservatives
• Metals (nickel, cobalt)
• Topical medications
• Rubber, adhesives, and cosmetics
Patch testing does not evaluate food allergies.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER PATCH TESTING
• Chronic or recurrent rashes
• Hand eczema
• Eyelid or facial dermatitis
• Worsening eczema despite treatment
• Suspected product allergy

WHAT TO EXPECT
Patch testing is performed over several visits:
• Day 1: Patches are applied to the back
• Day 3: Patches are removed and skin is evaluated
• Day 5 (or later): Final reading and counseling
During testing, patches must remain dry and in place.

IS IT PAINFUL?
Patch testing is painless.
Positive reactions may cause temporary itching or irritation.

INSURANCE & COST
Patch testing is considered a procedure and coverage varies by plan.
Our team will review benefits prior to scheduling.
Self-pay options are available.

To schedule a patch testing consultation, please contact our office.

NORTH AMERICAN CONTACT DERMATITIS EXTENDED 80 ALLERGEN SERIES

At Lincoln Road Dermatology, we utilize the North American Contact Dermatitis Extended 80 Allergen Series, a comprehensive panel designed to identify common and clinically relevant contact allergens encountered in North America. This expanded panel improves the likelihood of identifying meaningful allergic triggers and allows for personalized avoidance guidance.

Our patch testing evaluates reactions to allergens commonly found in:

Fragrances & Botanicals
• Fragrance mixes I & II
• Balsam of Peru
• Hydroperoxides of linalool and limonene
• Cinnamal
• Ylang ylang oil
• Tea tree oil (oxidized)
• Compositae (plant) mix
• Sesquiterpene lactone mix

Preservatives & Antimicrobials
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Methylisothiazolinone / methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Benzisothiazolinone
• Methyldibromo glutaronitrile
• Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
• Sodium benzoate
• Chloroxylenol (PCMX)
• Benzalkonium chloride
• Chlorhexidine

Metals
• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Chromium

Topical Antibiotics & Anesthetics
• Neomycin
• Bacitracin
• Polymyxin B
• Benzocaine
• Lidocaine
• Pramoxine

Topical Corticosteroids
• Budesonide
• Tixocortol pivalate
• Clobetasol

Rubber & Latex Accelerators
• Thiuram mix
• Mercapto mix
• Carba mix
• Black rubber mix
• Mercaptobenzothiazole

Hair & Cosmetic Ingredients
• p-Phenylenediamine (hair dye)
• Toluene-2,5-diamine
• Amidoamine
• Cocamidopropyl betaine
• Cocamide DEA
• Lauryl polyglucose
• Decyl glucoside
• Sorbitan esters

Acrylates, Resins & Plastics
• Epoxy resin (bisphenol A)
• Ethyl acrylate
• Methyl methacrylate
• Hydroxyethyl methacrylate
• Toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin
• 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin

Textile Dyes
• Textile dye mix

Sunscreen Agents
• Benzophenone-4

Other Common Allergens
• Lanolin (wool alcohols)
• Propolis
• Propylene glycol
• Parabens
• Ammonium persulfate
• Benzyl alcohol
• Benzyl salicylate