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Diagnostic Tests – Patch Testing
1. For which clinical scenario(s) is this test indicated?
Patch testing is indicated in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis when:
The rash is chronic or recurrent
2. What important distinction must be made before utilizing this test?
Before performing patch testing, it is critical to distinguish between:
Patch testing is NOT useful for irritant contact dermatitis, because irritant reactions do not involve an immune response.
Patch testing should only be used when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.
1. For which clinical scenario(s) is this test indicated?
Patch testing is indicated in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis when:
The rash is chronic or recurrent
- The suspected offending agent has already been removed
- Topical therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, emollients) has failed
- The clinician needs to identify the specific allergen responsible for the dermatitis
2. What important distinction must be made before utilizing this test?
Before performing patch testing, it is critical to distinguish between:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (immune-mediated, type IV hypersensitivity)
- Irritant contact dermatitis (non-immunologic, due to direct chemical or physical damage
Patch testing is NOT useful for irritant contact dermatitis, because irritant reactions do not involve an immune response.
Patch testing should only be used when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.
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