Dermatological Patch Test - Patch Test

The purpose of a dermatological patch test is to determine if a skin rash is caused by an allergy to certain chemicals that come into contact with the skin. This test is done by placing chemicals on a patch that is then placed on the back. This is not the same as testing by an allergist. It is a one-week process.

If skin irritants continue to come into contact with them, they can develop into skin allergies. If left untreated, these allergic reactions can worsen over time, leading to hair loss, chronic symptoms that never go away, poor mental health, increased risk of sunburn, sun sensitivity, and infections that can spread to other parts of the body and can be life-threatening.

By identifying skin allergens or irritants, patch testing helps you keep your skin health under control. Many everyday products contain hidden skin allergens, such as fragrances, preservatives, skin care products, cleaning products, metals, and even foods, that you may not even be aware of.

A patch is a flat area of ​​skin discoloration that is 1 cm or larger. It is a type of skin lesion. Dermatological testing evaluates a product's potential to cause skin irritation and sensitization (allergic reactions). Dermatological testing of a product involves a process called repeated irritation patch testing, which is performed on human volunteers.

A small sample of the product is applied to the target area of ​​the back and then covered with a semi-occlusive or occlusive patch (like a surgical dressing). An occlusive patch is sealed on all four sides of the target area, which helps more of the product get into the skin and increases the likelihood of a reaction.

The patches are left on for 24 hours and then examined by a qualified professional 48 hours later, looking for signs of redness or swelling. This process is repeated 50 more times on each of the 9 test subjects, making a total of 500 patches, all of which must remain clear for the sample to pass through. The product must also undergo a challenge test a few weeks later, this time in a different location, where the sample is reapplied to each volunteer to ensure they are not sensitive to any of the ingredients. Usually, to truly test a product, the volunteer test panel will include at least 25 people with sensitive skin.

When patch testing a new skin care product, a test area is selected first. This should be near the area where the product is planned to be used. For example, for facial products, the side of the neck or behind the ear should be tested. Avoid using other products on this area. Only test one new product on this area at a time. The product should be used in very small amounts. A reaction is usually noticeable within 24 hours, so if a severe rash develops, it is necessary to stop using the product. Some reactions can take up to 96 hours to develop and can occur with repeated exposures, so it is important to repeat the process for several days. Anaphylactic shock from cosmetics is possible, so if severe swelling or difficulty breathing occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Labels that carry claims such as dermatologically tested or hypoallergenic establish a certain level of confidence that a product will not harm or irritate the skin.

However, compliance with standards and regulations does not mean that all cosmetic ingredients are completely harmless. There are many ingredients that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. To ensure that a product is suitable for sensitive skin, it must be tested in its final form.

In short, the best way to test for a reaction to an allergen is with a patch test. During a patch test, small amounts of known allergens are applied to the skin. The substances are attached to the back using a type of non-allergenic tape. Sometimes they can be attached to the upper arms. After a week, the patches are removed and checked for any reaction. Most allergic contact dermatitis reactions take this long to develop.

Patch tests are tools used to identify allergic contact dermatitis. It is a scientific research method with internationally defined rules and established bases, constantly reviewed and updated. The reading and interpretation of test results, whether positive or negative, is a complex process that requires training and experience, considering their relevance and relating them to the clinical history of contact dermatitis.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its wide range of testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, dermatological patch test - patch test services are also provided to businesses.