How to Do a Patch Test to Check for Skin Allergies

How to Do a Patch Test to Check for Skin Allergies

Have you ever used a skin care product and developed an itchy rash? Chances are you were allergic to some ingredient in that product. You could have prevented this problem, if you had done a patch test before using it. A patch test is a way to determine if you're allergic to a product before you put it on a large area of skin. It's a particularly good practice to do a patch test before using a hair dye on the scalp since so many people have reactions to this type of product. Here's how to do a patch test to check for allergies.

To do a patch test, pour a small amount of the product in question onto a plate or small bowl.

Use q-tip to apply a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous area of the forearm. Along the inside of the wrist is a good spot to use for a patch test.

Leave the area untouched for forty-eight hours. Avoid exposing it to water when you take a bath and keep it out of direct sunlight.

At the end of forty-eight hours, check the area for signs that could indicate an allergic reaction to the product. If you're allergic to the product, you'll see redness, flaking, or a skin rash in the area where the product was applied. In addition, you may experience itching, irritation, or soreness. Generally, if any changes occur where the product was placed, the patch test is positive.

If a skin patch test is positive, avoid using that particular product in the future. If you use it, you could experience a serious allergic reaction. If you don't experience any skin changes, itching, or irritation at the site of the patch test, you can probably safely use the product.

Make it a practice to do a patch test before using any new product. Skin allergic reactions can be very uncomfortable and take a while to go away. Why take the chance of putting something on your skin you could be allergic to? Play it safe and do a patch test.