If you have been struggling to determine the cause of your eczema, there is a technique that can help. Patch testing is becoming a more common way to identify the irritants and allergens which may cause your eczema. If you are thinking about patch testing, here is some information that will help you with your decision.

First, you should know that patch testing should only be done under the supervision of a medical expert. If done incorrectly, you could have a severe allergic reaction. Also, a doctor will know best how to apply the patches and read the results.

Eczema is often the result of exposure to a certain irritant or allergen. This can be anything from the dust in your home to the cleaner used in your office. This is called contact dermatitis. Naturally, as a treatment for contact dermatitis it is important to identify your eczema trigger and avoid exposure to it.

Patch testing will help identify your unique triggers. Sometimes, a reaction does not occur right away. It may take 72 hours for a reaction to occur. This is why patch testing is so superior.

A small amount of a suspected irritant or allergen is applied to a “patch”. This patch is then placed and secured on your skin. The patch should remain in place for at least 3 days. At the end of the three days, the patches will be removed and the skin will be observed for any sign of reaction.

Another great aspect of patch testing is that you can test for anything unique to your lifestyle. If you suffer from eczema on the face, you can test your makeup and beauty products. If you suspect chemicals at work are the culprit, you can test for those. Once you can identify your unique eczema triggers, you will be able to stay eczema free and keep your skin healthy.