Home > Treatments > Allergy Patch Testing

Allergy Patch Testing

Allergy testing can confirm and identify the cause of your allergic contact dermatitis. These tests search for chemicals causing skin allergy and specifically assess chemicals touching your skin. There are no needles, shots, scratches or pricks with these tests. Allergy testing patches are generally very safe to use. They have been used on hundreds of thousands of patients, and side effects are rare.

Patch testing is performed by our expert Clinical Associate Professor Kurt Gebauer and is conducted at our Fremantle clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To book in with Dr Kurt Gebauer, click here.

Please note that Patch Testing requires three visits. To apply, remove and then assess the outcome.

Patients may experience the following with their allergy patch testing:

Itching
Sweating
Tape pulling or feeling tight
Discomfort when tape is pulled off
Redness, burning and extremely rarely blisters (when the test turns positive)
Flare-ups or worsening of the original symptoms

Allergy patch testing is not perfect. The results of patch tests must be interpreted carefully. A positive or negative reaction must be considered along with your history, your clinical signs and a knowledge of what may come in contact with your skin. Your Dermatologist will try to explain what the test results mean in relation to your problem.

When booking patch testing appointments you are required to attend three times a week. Normally on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at our Fremantle clinic. On Monday the patch tests are applied to your back. On Wednesday they are removed and assessed. The final reading occurs on Friday. Occasionally the appointment sequence can be altered to vary your individual needs.

Do not get your back wet or perform vigorous exercise whilst tests are applied. Wear dark coloured clothing during testing to minimise staining of your clothing.

Make an appointment

Back to Home Close X

COVID-19 Announcement

Fremantle Dermatology provides essential services and our doctors are still seeing patients. This ensures your pressing clinical needs are met in a timely fashion.

Government and health directives regarding COVID-19 prevention are being followed to minimise risk to patients and staff. These include but are not limited to:

– Increased spacing of appointments to reduce clinic numbers.

– Convenience to wait outside in your car or on the verandah to reduce time spent within the clinic.

– Social distancing measures.

– Reduced staff numbers.

Please do not fail to attend your appointment without notifying us.

We have never charged patients when they fail to attend. Please call and speak to a staff member in order to determine the urgency of your condition. Alternatives to in-person consultations may be available. This will allow your dermatological needs to be met in a safe environment and provide employment for our staff.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in these difficult times.