Skin Patch Testing

[Michi8]

Yesterday I went in to my new dermatologist for my skin patch test. Since I've got such sensitive skin, we're testing for sensitivity/allergy to various chemicals commonly used in products in North America. Hopefully the information will give some clues as to what exactly my skin is reacting to, and help me avoid potentially irritating products in future.

So here I sit with 47 different patches stuck to my upper back. It's itchy and uncomfortable. I'm afraid to move too much in case the tape comes off...and I can't take a complete shower until Thursday afternoon (yuck!) I tell ya, this test better show something!

Michelle

[ravenwoodglass]

Yesterday I went in to my new dermatologist for my skin patch test. Since I've got such sensitive skin, we're testing for sensitivity/allergy to various chemicals commonly used in products in North America. Hopefully the information will give some clues as to what exactly my skin is reacting to, and help me avoid potentially irritating products in future.

So here I sit with 47 different patches stuck to my upper back. It's itchy and uncomfortable. I'm afraid to move too much in case the tape comes off...and I can't take a complete shower until Thursday afternoon (yuck!) I tell ya, this test better show something!

Michelle

Gosh, I'd rather have the little shots that sounds miserable. You have my sympathy. I hope it gives you some answers.

[Michi8]

Gosh, I'd rather have the little shots that sounds miserable. You have my sympathy. I hope it gives you some answers.

It wasn't all that bad...I got the patches off yesterday afternoon and found out I'm reacting to at least four things, one of which is nickel (not surprising, it's a very common "allergen".) I go back today for a second look (for delayed reactions) and will be given information on what I reacted to and how to watch out for it. I'm very curious to see what turns up.

Michelle

[ravenwoodglass]

It wasn't all that bad...I got the patches off yesterday afternoon and found out I'm reacting to at least four things, one of which is nickel (not surprising, it's a very common "allergen".) I go back today for a second look (for delayed reactions) and will be given information on what I reacted to and how to watch out for it. I'm very curious to see what turns up.

Michelle

I am glad it turned out to be not so bad. I hope it turns out to be only a few easy to avoid things. I am also allergic to nickel and found it to be a great excuse to buy only gold or sterling jewelry

[Michi8]

I am glad it turned out to be not so bad. I hope it turns out to be only a few easy to avoid things. I am also allergic to nickel and found it to be a great excuse to buy only gold or sterling jewelry

I had my final patch appointment and found out that, along with nickel, I'm allergic to Cobalt Dichloride, Potassium Dichloride, and Neomycin Sulfate (the most commonly used antibiotic in skin creams and ointments...including Polysporin!) I also show slight sensitivity to Oak Moss (a scent used in making perfums.)

The doctor gave me handouts explaining what products I would likely find these ingredients and the lists are endless...I expect it will be more difficult to avoid some of this stuff than it is to avoid gluten. Plus Nickel can cause skin reactions that persist after complete avoidance from skin contact. Certain foods can exacerbate the problem and need to be elimiated from the diet for 3-4 weeks to rid the body of continued nickel ingestion. Then the foods can be reintroduced one at a time. Also, nickel plated utensils need to be replaced to (examples given are egg beaters and tea balls.) Oh, also "the first litre of water from the tap in the morning should not be used, as nickel may be released from the tap during the night."

I think I have some work ahead of me in figuring out sources of irriation. At least I have some clues as to why certain products bother me. Still doesn't answer, though, why I get spots that I think look like DH.

Michelle