Professional allergy patch testing services with a board-certified dermatologist at Brentwood Dermatology.
What is Patch Testing?
Patch testing is a specialized procedure that aims to identify specific substances which may cause allergic inflammation or aggravate a patient’s skin. This allergic inflammation is better known as contact dermatitis.
Patch Testing FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about patch testing? Read our FAQs section to find out how this procedure works, what allergens it tests for, and if patch testing in Brentwood, Tennessee, is covered by insurance.
Patch testing works by carefully exposing your skin to small amounts of a substance commonly known to cause contact dermatitis.
During a patch test, strips containing small amounts of substances which you may be allergic to are applied to your back. After two days, the strips are then removed and your back is examined for any allergic reactions, such as redness, inflammation, swelling, or itchiness.
These allergy patch tests are important for creating an allergy treatment plan that includes allergy avoidance, medications, or allergy shots. For instance, through an allergy patch test, your doctor may identify that you are sensitive to penicillin, which can be helpful for future medical treatments.
Patch testing may cause slight discomfort, including redness, inflammation, burning, or itching. However, these symptoms typically go away within a few days following the test.
Common allergens tested for during a patch test include:
This list is by no means exhaustive; there are several other allergens your doctor may include in your patch test. For more information on the allergens we test for with patch testing at Brentwood Dermatology, contact us.
Patch testing takes around 48 hours to complete. At your initial appointment, your doctor will first apply the allergy patch testing strips to your back. These stay in place for 48 hours, which gives the allergens enough time to cause a potential reaction. Then, you return to your doctor’s office for removal and evaluation of any allergic reactions.
At Brentwood Dermatology, patch testing is performed by one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed providers. To learn more about who administers patch testing in Brentwood at our state-of-the-art clinic, contact our team.
Whether or not patching testing is covered by your insurance depends on your specific insurance plan. We recommend consulting with your insurance provider to get clarification on the procedures and treatments your plan covers before making a patch testing appointment with Brentwood Dermatology.
Patch Testing Photos
To get a better understanding of how patch testing in Brentwood, Tennessee, is performed and administered at our state-of-the-art clinic, view the photo gallery below.
Board-Certified Allergy Patch Testing in Brentwood, Tennessee
Patch testing is an important step to uncovering the cause behind contact allergic dermatitis. If you are ready to reduce the frequency of skin rashes and outbreaks, the board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology are here to help! Find professional patch testing near Nashville, Tennessee, to achieve healthy, happy skin moving forward.
Schedule patch testing in Brentwood, Tennessee, by requesting an appointment online or by calling (615) 377-3448.