Patch Testing: Working With Patients to Find a Relevant Allergen
The cause of ongoing dermatitis may be identified through patch testing. Finding a relevant allergen can help dermatologists offer treatments. Reviewing the process and expectations with patients is necessary to ensure optimal testing conditions. Treating allergic contact dermatitis once an allergen has been detected can be challenging. Herein, tips to guide dermatologists through the process with patients are provided.
What do I do if a patient refuses treatment?
Sometimes patients are so attached to a product that they do not want to stop using it even though they know it is the cause of their dermatitis. If I can help them identify a comparable product, I introduce them to it, but ultimately they get to decide if they prefer to use a product that they know is the cause of their rash or if they want to avoid it and be clear of the dermatitis. For those who do not have an allergen identified through patch testing, alternative treatments can be used. If they do not want systemic medication, I try and optimize their skin care regimen with mild soaps, bland moisturizing creams, and short lukewarm showers, which often is not enough and eventually due to ongoing itch patients decide to discuss and pursue treatment options.
