St. Luke's Introduces Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis

The St. Luke's Dermatology Center (DERMCEN) offers patch testing at its Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing Unit.

    Patch testing is a diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of occupational skin complaints and contact dermatitis. It differentiates allergen from an irritant. It also evaluates other dermatoses for allergic components and, more importantly, identifies causative agents. It is a biological test that tries to reproduce the dermatitis by applying patches of substances that regularly contact the skin to see if it will trigger an inflammatory reaction.

    Patch testing helps physicians deliver faster, more definitive care. It does not cure allergic contact dermatitis. When an allergen is identified through patch testing, the patient can take action to avoid the specific substance to allow the current dermatitis to heal and enable the patient to avoid further outbreaks.

    Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin due to exposure to an environmental substance. Its appearance ranges from temporary redness to severe swelling. It can be classified as an acute, subacute, or chronic condition. Itching and blistering are common manifestations.

    Contact dermatitis may be caused by an irritant, in which case a direct toxic effect of the agent causes an inflammatory reaction in the skin, or it may be an allergic reaction where the allergen, as well as the patient's immune status, exposure route, and therapy affect presentation and outcome.

    It can take days to years for a patient to become sensitized and develop allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immunologic response and requires sensitization to a specific agent. Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is toxic injury to skin. In many cases, patients may experience both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.

    Patch testing may provide answers to untoward effects of chemical factors on the skin. The St. Luke's Dermatology Center (63 2 7230301; info@stluke.com.ph) offers specialized diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients who seek help for their dermatological problems.