An allergy test using patch testing has been scheduled with you.
To conduct this test properly, the following is important:
In the period leading up to and during the test:
- do not expose your back to sunlight or sunbeds (for at least 2 weeks)
- do not apply hormone ointments or creams to your back (for at least 3 days)
- do not apply your own skincare products to your back (for at least 1 day)
- do not use medications that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone or cyclosporine (Neoral).
Discuss with your prescribing physician whether these medications can be temporarily discontinued.
On the first day of the test, you will report to the dermatology outpatient clinic in the outpatient clinic building, where you will be registered if necessary and directed to the allergy department. For the next two appointments (two and three days later), you do not need to report but can come directly to the allergy department.
On the first day, you will have a consultation with the doctor, who will decide which substances should be tested. It is therefore important that you provide as much information as possible about your skin complaints and the circumstances under which they arise. Please bring all your own medications, cosmetics, ointments, creams, and/or home remedies to your first appointment (preferably in their original packaging). Since testing also carries the risk of developing a new allergy, only substances that we suspect may have triggered an allergic reaction will be tested.
Based on this consultation, the patch test will be prepared and then attached to your back with special adhesive material. This material allows for short, gentle showering. However, avoid excessive back movements, such as those caused by heavy work, sports, lifting, frequent bending, rubbing, and scratching. Any dark spots you see through the adhesive are not allergic reactions, but dyes from the tested material. However, testing may cause some itching. If the edges of the adhesive come loose, you can reattach them with a (paper) bandage.
In some cases, an intracutaneous test will also be performed. This involves pricks in your forearm, which will be read twenty minutes later. This test cannot be performed if you have taken antihistamines (such as Zyrtec, Xyzal, Claritin, Aerius, Telfast, Kestine, Mizollen, Tavegyl, Polaramine, Fenistil, Semprex, hydroxyzine, Tinset, Phenergan, Periactin, or Nedeltran) in the week prior to the test. These medications may be resumed after the intracutaneous test. If only patch testing is being performed, antihistamines do not need to be stopped. Also state whether you are taking beta blockers.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor. There is insufficient data on the harm of the substances used during the allergy test to the unborn child and breastfeeding.
Your
second appointment will be two days after the patch test. The adhesive strips will be removed and the test sites will be marked with special ink (invisible, so as not to damage your clothing). Although this ink is water-removable, you may take a short shower between the second and third appointments.
The next day, you will return for a third time and the test will be read. You will be informed of the findings and given advice if necessary. In some cases, a follow-up examination will be scheduled. |
