You suspect you have an allergy to one or more of the products you use. Performing a use test, such as the Repeated Open Application Test (ROAT), can provide valuable information, even if you have already been tested for allergy and the patch test yielded no results. You apply the product to your skin at home for several days. This repeated contact with the product containing the potential allergen will eventually cause eczema if you are allergic.
The ROAT can only be used for products that can remain on the skin and therefore do not need to be rinsed off. Therefore, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, or harsh substances cannot be tested.
If in doubt, always consult your dermatologist first.
You may shower normally during the test period.
You can test a second product simultaneously in the same way on a different area of the skin.
The test is performed as follows:
| 1. |
Apply the product twice a day for fourteen days to thin skin, such as the elbow crease or behind the ear, in the same place each time. |
| 2. |
The skin is inspected for the first thirty to sixty minutes to detect early contact reactions such as hives. In most cases, this reaction will not occur. |
| 3. |
If eczema (redness and flaking, often itchy or burning) develops, you can stop using the product. You are allergic to one or more ingredients of the product and should stop using it. |
| 4. |
If no eczema has developed by day fourteen, you can stop using the product. It's unlikely you're hypersensitive to the product you tested. Always report the results to your doctor. |
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| positive ROAT result |
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