What is patch tests? How dermatologists explain how to test

It is very common: you are excited to try your new skin product, eye cream, serum, moisturizer or body cream, and the slather ended, a few hours later to meet a rash. The reality is that skin reactions occur, but there is an easy way to avoid patch testing.

“It’s a good idea when they use the test products for the first time, especially if you have Sensitive skinBefore applying the product in a greater area, “says Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, FAAD, thanks to the cosmetical dermatologists of the board and the Mohs Surgeon, New York City.” It is a safer way to ensure a product is compatible with your skin. ”

You’re probably wondering, what is exactly patch tests? To help break the procedure, we went to two dermatologists, including the best way to get scarf. Below, learn to be aware of patch tests.

What is patch tests?

“Dermatologists or allergic doctors often use patch tests to find out if a particular ingredient or substance may contain skin, skin or environment in contact with contacts or skin reactions“Kseniya Kobets, MD, MD, MD is applied to the test office and collects the set of concentrated allergens that have a direct relationship with the skin. It usually applies as a band as a band of six and twelve patches per band. “It has been checked once a week to verify a reaction or delay reaction, after exposure to common allergens,” Dr. Kobets explained.

While office treatment experts recommend you, you can also make test patches at home. According to Dr. Kobets, you should try a small amount of cream or other current if you want to test and control in part of your arm, if it causes a reaction within 24 hours. However, he warned that it is not a detailed method. Testing at home involves the use of a product that can have several components. If you are allergic, you would not know which component reaction causes. The office patch test, on the other hand, uses individual identified allergens in higher concentrations, which show a reaction and offer more results.

When do you need to do patch test?

Every time you try a new hair or skin product is to test the patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin or history Atopic dermatitis or eczema. “It is also important to test the products they have Assets of components or odorsThose who can cause irritation, “says Dr. Embellman.” The patch test takes at least 24 to 48 hours before using a lot of product, to give enough time to see any reaction. ”

How to test patches at home

If you choose a patch test at home, Dr. Engelman shares the following steps step by step:

1. Choose a small and discrete area of ​​the skin, such as behind the ear, inner forearm or foot.
2. Apply a small amount of the product in which place, fixed and expanding uniformly.
3. Cover the field with a bandage or leave the covered product if it dries quickly.
4. Wait at least 24 to 48 hours without clearing or worrying.
5. Check the field with any sign of redness, itching, swelling or irritation.
6. If there is no reaction, it is possible to use the product on your skin.
7. If irritation appears, avoid using the product and a dermatologist if necessary.

Afterwards

Once these steps are completed, it is important to take measures that the reaction should occur. “It will be easy to know if a patch test shows a harmful reaction rapItching, small blows, and / or unusual warmth, which can sign early irritation. “If your patches cause a reaction, leave the area immediately with fresh water and odorless cleaning cleaner, can help calm the skin. If the reaction does not improve, consult your dermatologist for orientation.”

It is important to consider that you can still have a delayed reaction, even if your patches show immediate problems. “Some sensitivity develops slowly and can only appear after repeating or extending the use of a product,” says Dr. Esngelman. “The patch test checks rapid reactions, but it doesn’t always catch long-term irritation or allergies. Always see your skin while testing something nearby, even after a clean patch test.”

When to see a professional

If you have a history of reactive skin and only if you get worse, Dr. Kobets consulted a professional patch test with a dermatologist.

As in a test of professionals what is expected, the process is pretty easy. A dermatologist usually applies to allergen standards on your back, unless you have a reaction to acne, acne, or surrounding. “It is recommended to avoid exposure to sun and humidity, avoid torn and return the first reading during the week in 48 hours and then the second reading in 72 and 96 hours,” said Kobet Dr. “.

The dermatologist or allergist may ask for specific medications, such as antihistamines and topics or oral steroids, for certain days before testing, can hinder the results, doctoral Kobets. “You may want to keep a list of products you are allergic or sensitive, and consider an ordinary component, that is,” adds.

Last carrying

If you have sensitive skin or a new product can cause a reaction, patch testing is a good idea. Walking diy can be well, but keep in mind that it does not always predict a reaction. “You should see a professional for a patch test if you have permanent or serious skin reactions that are not improved with home care”, says Dr. Engelman. “It is especially important if the redness, inflammation, blisters or itching will be used by a dermatologist. The patch test can make a more detailed patch test to identify specific allergens or irritators and help you avoid launchers in the future.”