Patch Testing
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance to which you are allergic to. This substance is called an allergen and can be an ingredient in your personal care products (such as soap, moisturizer, shampoo/conditioner, hair dye, makeup, perfume, contact solution), jewelry, clothing, cleaning supplies, hobby/construction materials or rubber products. You can develop an allergy to a substance, even if you have used it for years. This results in an itchy, eczema-like skin rash.
How does patch testing work?
The patch testing process requires THREE appointments. Dr. Beasley and staff will apply a series of panels containing 87 allergens (called the AMERICAN CORE SERIES, which is recommended by the American Contact Dermatitis Society) to the skin on the body. After 2 days, these patches will be removed. You will return 4 days later for Dr. Beasley to review any skin reactions related to the specific allergens.
Preparing for your Patch Testing Appointment
Does my Insurance Cover Patch Testing?
For more information, you may call your Insurance and inquire about the coverage for the diagnosis Allergic Contact Dermatitis (code: ICD L23.5) for Allergy Patch Testing (code: CPT 95044 x 87 units). As a courtesy, we attempt to obtain your benefit coverage prior to your appointment to determine a cost estimate. This amount is due in full at the time of your testing. This may change once your claims have been submitted to your insurance as this is just an estimate of your cost, and a refund or additional fee may be due.
Prior to your Patch Testing Appointment
Notify our office if you have been on systemic steroids (such as prednisone) in the 2 weeks or had a steroid injection 1 month prior to your patch testing appointment. This may require rescheduling your patch testing, to ensure accurate results.
Notify our office if you are on immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, or azathioprine.
Notify our office if your back is covered in a rash, as normal skin is required in order to perform the testing.
Do NOT get a sunburn in the week prior to your appointment, this will result in rescheduling your patch testing.
You MAY continue to take over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec prior to your appointment.
On the Day of Patch Testing Appointment (Appointment #1)
Shower or bathe, as you will not be able to fully bathe for 6 days.
Do NOT apply any moisturizers or topical medications to the body.
Wear a loose-fitted shirt which is easy to remove. A button-up shirt is recommended. Note: your patches will be outlined in a Sharpie marker which can bleed onto clothing.
After the Patches are Placed
*It is very important that your patches remain dry and secured in place.
NO showering or bathing. You may sponge bathe areas not covered in patches.
NO activities that will lead to sweating.
NO strenuous exercises or motions that could loosen the tape around your patches (such as bending, lifting, stretching).
Reinforce any loose patches with paper tape.
If you experience itching or burning, try not to scratch the patch test site. Try using light pressure or cold, dry cloth (no ice) over the affected site. You may use over-the-counter antihistamines such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) for itch.
If you experience excessive itching or pain, please call our office at 850-888-2424, option 2 for Nursing.
After the Patches are Removed but Before your Final Reading (Appointment #2)
Continue all the above precautions until your 3rd Patch Testing appointment (the date of the final interpretation).
Day of Final Reading (Appointment #3)
Dr. Beasley will record any positive reactions which may range from a small skin rash with a little swelling to red, blistered skin.
Your results will be reviewed with you in detail and include information on each positive reaction as well as a “Safe” list of products for you to use.
Please bring in all your current personal care products so that the ingredient lists can be reviewed. Examples: soap, moisturizer, makeup, hair care products, after-shave, perfume, contact solution, topical medications.
*If you develop a delayed, new positive patch test reaction (red, itchy spot) in the 1-2 weeks after your final read, please notify our office at 850-888-2424, option 2 for Nursing.
Example of Patch Testing Schedule
Thursday: Patches are applied.
Monday (following): Patches are removed.
Wednesday: Patch test results are interpreted.
Does my Insurance Cover Patch Testing?
For more information, you may call your Insurance and inquire about the coverage for the diagnosis Allergic Contact Dermatitis (code: ICD L23.5) for Allergy Patch Testing (code: CPT 95044 x 87 units). As a courtesy, we attempt obtain your benefit coverage prior to your appointment to determine a cost estimate. This amount is due in full at the time of your testing. This may change once your claims have been submitted to your insurance as this is just an estimate of your cost, and a refund or additional fee may be due.