Patch testing: what allergists should know

Summary Patch testing is a standardized, in vivo diagnostic test for type IV hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in allergic contact dermatitis, which clinically resembles eczema. Common allergens include fragrance chemicals, hair dyes, metals, rubber accelerators and preservatives. Known allergen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical and experimental allergy 2012-02, Vol.42 (2), p.180-185
Main Author: White, J. M. L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergens
Biological and medical sciences
Contact dermatitis
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - diagnosis
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - prevention & control
Eczema
Fragrances
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Fundamental immunology
Hair dyes
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Language
Metals
Occlusion
Patch Tests - adverse effects
Patch Tests - methods
Preservatives
Rubber
Time Factors
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Summary:Summary Patch testing is a standardized, in vivo diagnostic test for type IV hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in allergic contact dermatitis, which clinically resembles eczema. Common allergens include fragrance chemicals, hair dyes, metals, rubber accelerators and preservatives. Known allergens at particular concentrations in optimal vehicles are tested on the upper back under occlusion for 2 days. Readings according to international criteria are usually performed on days 2 and 4. Irritant reactions can closely resemble allergic ones, and further tests may be necessary to discriminate. Interpretation of the relevance of the reactions can also be difficult, perhaps requiring repeated open application testing, work‐site visits etc. Monitoring of trends in patch test positivity can be effective in primary prevention of type IV allergy.
ISSN:0954-7894
1365-2222
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03862.x