PATCH TEST INFORMATION HANDOUT

Dear Patient:

In order to find out if your skin is hypersensitive (allergic) to certain material, a series of test substances will be applied to your back with a patch test. This test should help discover the possible cause for the changes in your skin. You will be scheduled three appointments in a one week period.

Your cooperation is needed to ensure the successful outcome of this test. You are therefore asked to observe the following points:

1. On your first visit you will have two patches placed on your back. Leave the patch in place until it is removed in the doctor’s office.

2. In order to prevent false test results, during the entire testing period you should not shower, wash your back, or allow the sun or ultraviolet light to shine on it. Gentle washing is permitted provided that the patches are kept dry.

3. Please try to avoid strenuous physical activities that could make you sweat, as well as movements that could cause the patches to come off.

4. If one or several of the patches loosen at some time during the test, fasten them with additional adhesive tape in exactly the same place (and inform your physician).

5. If you feel some minor itching, this is normal and sometimes occurs when the test is positive. Please do not scratch.

6. If you feel a severe burning sensation at the test site, contact your physician immediately for further advice.

7. Please visit your doctor’s office on the scheduled dates for the monitoring of your test results. You will be given two follow up appointments. The first is 2 days after your first appointment, and the second is 3 to 7 days after your first appointment – please understand that this is necessary.

8. On your second visit, the patches will be removed. Please remember that you still may not wash or sunbathe the tested areas until after the final visit. The final reading will be on your third visit and we will then identify if you have any allergies to the tested substances.

Should you be allergic to one or more of the substances tested, a redness or itchy rash will appear on the corresponding test area. The substances producing these skin reactions could be the cause of your allergy. Redness and itching from the test usually disappear after a few days.

Important:

Should you notice additional reddening or skin change which appear unexpectedly within a period of three weeks after monitoring of the test sites, report these to your physician as soon as possible.

If during the testing period or before the final monitoring date you must take medication, even if just applied locally (ointments, creams, drops, etc.), please report this to you physician.

Since steroids may suppress a positive test reaction, use of topical steroids on the test site or oral steroids (such as Prednisone) should be discontinued for at least 2 weeks prior to patch testing unless directed by your Dermatologist. Using topical steroids on non-test sites are appropriate.

MEDICINES TO AVOID PRIOR TO AND DURING PATCH TESTING

If you are on Prednisone or recently took Prednisone, (Oral Steroids) please contact your doctor. Prednisone can affect the patch test results.

For a couple of days before patch testing and also during it, please avoid antihistamines such as Benedryl, Atarax, Chlorpheniramine, Claritin, Actifed and others.

Please do not forget to bring personal items to be tested to your first appointment, if your doctor has requested you to do this.