Patch testing
Patch testing is a specialist procedure carried out in dermatology departments to find out if your skin condition is caused by or being made worse by an allergy to substances coming in contact with the skin. This is called contact allergy.
If you have patch testing you will need to return within a week for the results to be read and for treatment to be discussed.
What does patch testing involve?
Patch testing is a type of skin allergy test. It is usually carried out to see if you are allergic to anything coming in contact with your skin.
It involves having small quantities of different substances being applied to the skin of the back under sticky tape. You wear sticky patches on your back for two days.
The procedure is carried out by a specialist nurse. You will be asked to attend on two occasions:
- the first appointment will be to have the patches applied to your back
- the second appointment will be 3 to 4 days later for the doctor to read the results
We may be unable to apply the patches if you have an extensive rash on your back.
We advise you not to apply cream or ointment to your skin on the day of testing as the patches may not stick.
A skin marking pen is used next to the paper patches to indicate their position. This may mark your clothing so we advise you to wear dark garments on the day you attend to have the patches applied.
You will need to keep your back dry from the day the patches are applied until the day the results are known. This can take 3 to 4 days.
We will advise you not to do exercise (such as golf, running or swimming), as this would cause the patch tests to come off.
Contact details
If you wish to speak to a nurse for advice, please contact the number below:
Monday to Friday
8.30am – 5.00pm
Telephone: 0191 282 5079
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS website which has a section explaining about Allergies.
