Private Patch Test for Contact Allergies

Normal skin, usually on the upper back or upper arms, is tested with small quantities of different allergens applied on adhesive tape (the ‘patches’) to see if they cause a reaction.

Most people will be tested with between 50 and 100 allergens. The patches need to stay in place for 2 days, and then they are removed, and the skin is examined to see if there has been any reaction.

A second examination is carried out after another 2 days, and this usually concludes the tests. A positive conclusion is made if a reaction appears – a small, raised, itchy swelling about the size of a fingernail.

Patch tests usually involve 3 clinic visits in the same week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday for application of the allergens and 2 follow-up evaluations as above. It's important to keep the tested area of skin dry throughout this period.

Patch testing is a long-established and safe test.

A small number of people may have a strong allergic reaction that leads to blistering of the skin, and this can leave a lasting blemish with altered pigmentation or, very rarely, a scar.

There's also a small risk of becoming allergic to one of the allergens after the procedure.

As the safety of patch tests has not been proven during pregnancy (there are no official trials), they're not usually recommended unless essential. They can otherwise be done at all ages, including young children if needed.

This test is incredibly straightforward and requires little to no preparation.

Your consultant may ask you to stop taking certain medications, particularly any antihistamines, as these can affect the results of the test. You will be made aware of any preparation required in advance of your appointment.

You will be informed of the results at the end of the testing, at the second evaluation.

Sometimes the tests are negative, and this can be reassuring as allergies have been ruled out. If allergies are confirmed, you'll be given information about where you are likely to come into contact with the allergen and how to avoid this in the future.

Your dermatologist will also help advise if the allergy is likely to be the cause of your skin complaint. Skin allergies are usually life-long and cannot be reversed by desensitisation, so the focus of tests is to help you identify your allergies, so you then know what to avoid.

Please contact our Allergy centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists and allergists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an appointment for a patch test for contact allergies, you must be referred by either your GP or a dermatology or allergy specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.