PATCH test complex

Recently, the number of people suffering from various forms of allergies has significantly increased. This is associated with the deterioration of the environment and the rise in stress levels, the constant influence of which negatively affects the immune system, resulting in various allergic diseases.

In the medical network "Dobrobut," allergist-immunologists use modern methods for diagnosing and treating allergies in adults and children. Identifying specific allergens that cause contact dermatitis is facilitated by the most modern diagnostic method, the PATCH test complex.

The PATCH test complex represents a specialized diagnostic test used to detect allergic contact dermatitis (skin reactions caused by contact with allergens). The complex involves applying patches containing common allergens to the patient's back to determine which substances trigger allergic reactions on the skin.

Indications for the PATCH Test

The indications for conducting a diagnostic test for dermatitis may include the following conditions:

• Symptoms of contact dermatitis: redness, itching, swelling, blisters on the skin that arise after skin contact with certain substances;
• Allergic reactions to substances that come into contact with the skin;
• Occupational hazards: professions with a high risk of exposure to potential allergens - hairdressers, pharmacists, various industrial productions;
• Chronic or recurrent dermatitis that does not resolve with regular treatment;
• Increased skin sensitivity;
• Allergies to cosmetics and hygiene products;
• Comprehensive diagnosis of allergic diseases and skin reactions;
• Allergic conditions such as polymorphic erythema, nummular eczema, lichen planus (Wilson's disease), psoriasis (especially localized on the hands), granulomatous or lymphoid reactions; worsening of atopic, seborrheic, or hemorrhagic dermatitis, nummular eczema - suspicion of concomitant allergic contact dermatitis; drug-induced dermatitis; mucosal reactions: conjunctivitis, stomatitis, vulvitis;
• Examination before implant placement and prosthetics in dentistry and orthopedics - when there is a suspicion of allergy to metals and other materials.

The PATCH test complex is most often prescribed by a dermatologist or allergist. The patient's medical history, complaints, symptoms, and previously identified and suspected allergens are taken into account. The test results help establish an accurate diagnosis, identify risk factors, and select appropriate treatment.

A doctor may prescribe the PATCH test in the presence of the following symptoms:

• Redness of specific skin areas;
• Itching, constant or periodic;
• Localized swelling;
• Blisters - fluid-filled bubbles on the skin;
• Rashes of various types, scales, plaques, bumps;
• Skin inflammation that does not respond to standard treatment;
• Increased skin sensitivity to certain products, materials, or chemicals.

Contraindications to the PATCH Test include: age under 18, use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and other medications affecting the immune system (these need to be discontinued 2 weeks prior to PATCH test diagnostics), severe or generalized reaction to hapten-allergen (not included in the testing panel), skin damage at the application site of the patch system.

How the PATCH Test Complex is Conducted

The PATCH system (patch test) involves conducting four doctor consultations.

The complex is formalized only after a preliminary consultation with an allergist 2-3 working days before the first service - application, as time is needed for manufacturing an individual patch system, which is ordered and paid for separately on the day of ordering – the cost of the system is not included in the cost of the comprehensive service.

The usual procedure for the test includes the following stages:

1. Preparation. The skin on the patient’s back should be clean, without rashes and hair; discontinue general corticosteroid use 2 weeks before testing, and local (creams, ointments) 1 week before.
2. Selection of allergens. Based on the medical history, type of activity, and identified reactions, a group of common allergens is selected.
3. Application of allergens. A small amount of the selected allergens is applied to disks (patches) that are attached to the patient’s back for 48 hours.
4. Removal of patches. After 48 hours, the patches are removed.
5. Assessment of results. 48-72 hours after patch removal, the doctor examines the skin, where there may be redness, swelling, blisters, rashes, and other signs of allergic reactions. Immediate and delayed skin reactions are assessed.
6. Interpretation of results. The allergens that caused specific reactions (contact dermatitis), as well as the timing of the reaction, its type, and intensity, are determined.
7. Report and recommendations. The PATCH test complex is an important tool for diagnosing contact dermatitis, as well as developing treatment and monitoring strategies. For example, a list of products to avoid can be created.

Patch testing is the main diagnostic investigation that should be conducted in all patients with acute or chronic dermatitis (eczema), in whom an allergic nature is suspected or needs to be ruled out, regardless of age or anatomical location. Due to the high reliability of the results obtained, the simplicity of the method, and its safety, patch testing, according to modern European and American protocols, is a basic investigation.

All patients with atopic dermatitis should be tested using PATCH tests for the presence of concomitant contact dermatitis, as the combination of these conditions occurs in 80% of cases.

To schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, allergist, or for the PATCH test, please use the form on the website or contact by phone.