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Allergy Testing

Allergy Testing services offered in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, FL

When surrounded by substances like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, it can be hard to tell what’s causing your allergic skin reaction. At Associates in Dermatology, the team of foremost dermatology specialists provides allergy testing conveniently in three offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda, Florida. Testing can pinpoint the source of your rash so you can prevent further contact. It’s a painless process performed in short appointments, so call the office nearest you or click online booking for help now.



What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing detects substances that cause allergic reactions. At Associates in Dermatology, the team offers allergy testing to find the cause of allergic contact dermatitis, a condition in which physical contact with an allergen causes a skin rash. 

Allergy testing can detect allergic reactions to substances like preservatives, fragrances, hair dyes, and nickel. 

When might I need allergy testing? 

You might need allergy testing if you have an uncomfortable rash of a mysterious origin. Allergic contact dermatitis rashes may feature:

  • Red or purplish-hued skin
  • Bumpy skin that may look like acne
  • Swelling 
  • Fluid seeping from the rash
  • Scaly skin
  • Itchy skin

It’s fairly common for allergic contact dermatitis to cause itchiness. Rubbing or scratching your rash can cause the skin to break and may lead to an infection and difficulty healing. 

What is the allergy testing process?

At Associates in Dermatology, the team performs patch allergy testing over a series of three short appointments. 

First appointment 

In the first appointment, the team applies adhesive patches to your back. Each patch contains a series of 10 dime-sized discs, with every disc containing a tiny amount of a different possible allergen. 

Second appointment

You generally wear the patches for a period of about 48 hours, then return to the office so the team can remove them and check your reactions. If you’re allergic to a substance, the skin in that specific area turns red and grows irritated. 

Third appointment

Some reactions may take more time to develop, so the team checks your skin again a day or two later. The patch testing method allows the team to check for dozens of different allergies at one time and identify exactly what’s causing your skin reactions.

Does patch allergy testing hurt?

No, patch allergy testing is a painless process with no needles involved. Applying and removing the adhesive patches isn’t uncomfortable and takes just a few minutes. 

What happens after allergy testing?

After allergy testing, the team reviews your results with you and comes up with a plan to help you avoid future reactions. 

For the most part, this involves avoiding the use of or contact with the substance causing your issues, so they educate you about where the culprit substances occur and help you put necessary lifestyle changes into action. 

If you can’t figure out what triggers your rashes, call Associates in Dermatology or click the online appointment scheduler now.