Allergic Rashes

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation that occurs when compounds touching your skin cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The red, itchy rash isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Skin contact with soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants such as poison ivy or poison oak and some occupations involve exposure to substances that may cause contact dermatitis.

Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and exam. Patch testing will be recommended if contact dermatitis is suspected as the possible cause of the rash.

We use the North American 65 at the Allergy & Asthma Institute of SE Michigan, most practices utilize the True Test.

Patch Test Improves Sensitivity for Contact Dermatitis-World Allergy Organization XXII World Allergy Congress: Abstract #3065. Presented December 6, 2011
Evaluation of patients using the Thin-Layer Rapid-Use Epicutaneous Test (TT, TRUE Test, Allerderm Laboratories) misses contact dermatitis responses in 12.5% of patients and only partially captures positive test results in 25.6%,"If you get a negative [TT] and you're still suspicious of contact dermatitis, you should refer your patient for further patch testing,”