Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Urticaria: Why They Matter in Modern Allergy Care

6th June 2026

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Urticaria: Why They Matter in Modern Allergy Care

The management of chronic allergic skin conditions is evolving rapidly. Increasingly, healthcare professionals recognise that understanding how patients feel and function in daily life is just as important as measuring clinical signs and laboratory results. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are helping bridge this gap by bringing the patient’s voice directly into clinical decision-making.

Patient-reported outcome measures help clinicians understand symptom burden, quality of life and treatment response in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria

What Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)?

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated questionnaires completed by patients that assess symptoms, quality of life, treatment effectiveness and the overall impact of disease on everyday activities.

Unlike laboratory tests or physical examinations, PROMs capture the aspects of disease that only patients can truly describe. This is particularly important in conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and chronic urticaria (hives), where symptom severity, itching, sleep disruption and emotional wellbeing may fluctuate significantly between clinic visits.

PROMs help clinicians better understand the burden of disease, monitor treatment response and support shared decision-making between patients and healthcare professionals.

The PROMUSE Study: Understanding Why PROMs Are Underused

A landmark international study published in the World Allergy Organization Journal in 2026 investigated why PROMs remain underused in routine clinical practice despite their recognised value.

The PROMUSE study was conducted through the international UCARE (Urticaria Centres of Reference and Excellence) and ADCARE (Atopic Dermatitis Centres of Reference and Excellence) networks and involved physicians from specialised allergy and dermatology centres worldwide.

Importantly, Professor Michael Rudenko of the London Allergy and Immunology Centre was among the international co-authors contributing to this global collaboration examining the implementation of patient-centred outcome measures in allergic skin disease.

Key Findings

• Many clinicians recognise the value of PROMs but face practical barriers to implementation.
• Time constraints remain the most commonly reported challenge.
• Many physicians believe patients dislike completing questionnaires.
• Lack of integration into electronic health systems limits routine use.
• Some clinicians feel PROMs may interfere with the doctor-patient relationship.
• The greater the number of perceived barriers, the less likely physicians are to use PROMs regularly.

Interestingly, the study found that concerns regarding patient dissatisfaction and interference with clinical interactions were among the strongest factors associated with reduced PROM use.

Professor Michael Rudenko’s Clinical Perspective

As both a co-author of the PROMUSE study and a practising Consultant Allergist and Clinical Immunologist, I believe the findings highlight an important opportunity to improve patient-centred care in allergy and dermatology.

In everyday clinical practice, many patients experience symptoms that cannot be fully appreciated through examination alone. A patient with chronic urticaria may have minimal visible hives during a consultation but may have experienced severe symptoms throughout the preceding week. Similarly, a patient with atopic dermatitis may appear clinically improved while still suffering from significant itching, sleep disruption and reduced quality of life.

PROMs provide a structured way to capture these experiences and ensure they become part of the clinical conversation.

Importantly, PROMs should never replace clinical judgement or specialist assessment. Rather, they should complement traditional medical evaluation by helping clinicians understand the patient’s perspective more accurately.

The most effective PROMs are simple, relevant and easy to complete. They should focus on outcomes that matter most to patients while providing meaningful information that can guide treatment decisions.

Modern medicine is increasingly moving towards personalised and precision healthcare. In this context, understanding how a disease affects an individual’s daily life is becoming just as important as measuring objective disease activity.

Future developments are likely to include digital symptom tracking, integration with electronic health records, mobile health applications and more sophisticated patient-centred outcome measures developed with direct patient involvement.

Ultimately, successful allergy care requires both scientific expertise and a clear understanding of the patient’s lived experience. PROMs can help bridge that gap and support better outcomes for patients with chronic allergic diseases.

Professor Michael Rudenko MD PhD FAAAAI
Consultant Allergist and Clinical Immunologist
London Allergy and Immunology Centre

PROMs in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis affects millions of people worldwide and often causes substantial physical and psychological burden. Symptoms such as itching, sleep disturbance, skin pain, embarrassment and reduced self-confidence may significantly impact daily life.

PROMs help clinicians understand:

• Severity of itching
• Sleep quality
• Impact on work and school performance
• Emotional wellbeing
• Treatment satisfaction
• Long-term disease control

By incorporating patient-reported outcomes into routine care, clinicians can gain a more complete picture of disease burden and treatment effectiveness.

PROMs in Chronic Urticaria

Chronic urticaria is characterised by recurrent hives, swelling (angioedema) or both. Symptoms may fluctuate unpredictably and can have a major impact on quality of life.

Patient-reported outcome measures are particularly useful for:

• Assessing symptom control over time
• Evaluating treatment effectiveness
• Monitoring disease activity between visits
• Supporting treatment optimisation
• Identifying patients who require escalation of therapy

Several validated urticaria-specific questionnaires are now widely used in clinical research and specialist practice.

The Future of Patient-Centred Allergy Care

The future of allergy and dermatology care will increasingly focus on combining clinical expertise with patient-reported outcomes, digital health technologies and shared decision-making.

The PROMUSE study suggests that while barriers remain, clinicians and healthcare systems have an opportunity to redesign PROM implementation in a way that is both efficient and meaningful for patients.

Importantly, future PROM development should involve patients directly, ensuring that questionnaires reflect the outcomes that matter most to those living with allergic disease.

When Should You See an Allergy Specialist?

You may benefit from specialist assessment if you experience:

• Persistent eczema despite treatment
• Chronic hives lasting longer than six weeks
• Recurrent angioedema
• Sleep disturbance caused by skin symptoms
• Reduced quality of life due to allergic disease
• Uncertainty regarding diagnosis or treatment options

A specialist allergy assessment can help establish an accurate diagnosis, optimise treatment and identify factors contributing to persistent symptoms.

References

Cherrez-Ojeda I, Robles-Velasco K, Giménez-Arnau A, et al. Why physicians underuse patient-reported outcomes in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria: Insights from the UCARE/ADCARE PROMUSE study. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2026;19:101398.

Additional references available upon request.

Face masks and hand sanitiser: could they affect your allergies?

14th October 2020

Face masks and hand sanitiser: could they affect your allergies?

In recent months, we’ve all become accustomed to wearing face masks while out in public and constantly washing our hands with hand sanitiser. This is to prevent us catching and spreading the coronavirus, keeping us and our loved ones safe.

But having to follow these steps might make some people with allergies or sensitive skin worry. From breakouts to dried, painful skin, people with contact dermatitis will be wary of what comes into contact with their face and hands.

Hand sanitiser

To protect you against germs, the alcohol content in hand sanitiser needs to be at least 60%. The problem is that alcohol breaks down the protective barrier on your skin too. For people with sensitive skin, it could lead to more symptoms they don’t like. Things like flaky skin or maybe even blistering.

You should also look at the other ingredients in hand sanitiser, such as dye and fragrances. There may be an ingredient in there which can cause painful flare-ups. If this happens, consider putting it to one side for now and consult with your doctor. They may have a more ideal product for you. 

If you have contact dermatitis, you may already be familiar with products you can use to keep your hands safe. Keep them well moisturised and talk with a specialist if anything changes.

Face masks

The government has mandated we must wear a mask when out in public. For the majority, this is fine. But those with sensitive skin might be wary about wearing something new. When buying a new mask, see if you can find out the material it is made from to see if you would react to it.

If you have a reusable mask that needs washing, you should also be careful about what detergent you use. Though you most likely have something ready that you use on your other clothes.

Something that has become a new problem is being referred to as “maskne” (mask acne). Maskne refers to bumps, rashes, and other skin problems that people get around their nose and mouth, likely due to face masks. Those with existing skin problems are most likely to develop maskne, so be careful when using your mask for long periods.

Protecting yourself and others is extremely important. Unfortunately for some, it may be the case that that irritation is more sinister than it seems. If this is you, then don’t feel you have to suffer just because it’s what the government says. Talk to an allergy specialist who should be able to give you the advice you need to live comfortably and safely.

If you’re looking for more insight into your allergies or would like an allergy test, or simply need advice, get in touch now on 02031 433 449.

Everyday products that might be causing skin irritation

28th December 2018

Everyday products that might be causing skin irritation

Even if you’re an adult, you could still have an undiagnosed allergy. Maybe your skin flares up, and you aren’t sure why. You might not know it, but there are several surprising products that could be causing it.

Sometimes, finding the trigger that’s causing your dermatitis or eczema is challenging. In this part of our continuing series, we have some more lesser-known triggers that just might be causing you trouble.

Hand sanitizer

While this product is useful when there’s no sign of soap in sight, hand sanitizer can, unfortunately, cause irritation. Ingredients such as alcohol can cause sensitive skin to become inflamed, break into hives, or trigger existing skin problems like dermatitis or eczema.

To solve this, why not try alcohol-free hand sanitizer instead?

Plasters

Have you ever put a plaster over a cut only to find that your injury was worse afterwards? It could be infected, or you might just have an allergy to plasters. The sticky adhesive on plasters contains glues such as methacrylates and epoxy diacrylates.

Unfortunately, these glues – much like the ingredients in hand sanitizer – can cause your skin to become inflamed, itchy, and sore. Luckily there is an easy solution for when you need a plaster – anti-allergy plasters. You can buy them in most supermarkets and drugstores.

Sweeteners

If you like to add sweetener to your morning coffee, you might want to rethink doing so. Sweeteners, such as Stevia, can trigger allergies. As the sweetener is derived from a plant, this means it may come into contact with allergens such as pollen. By consuming sweeteners, you could be exposing yourself to triggers.

We highly recommend getting tested for allergies no matter what your age. Knowing what to avoid is important and can make your life that much more comfortable.

If you think you might be suffering from allergies or contact dermatitis, why not order one of our home testing kits today? Find out once and for all what’s causing your skin irritation. Request an allergy test from us or visit our website.

Contact dermatitis: what you need to know

1st November 2018

Contact dermatitis: what you need to know

With the winter months approaching, contact dermatitis can take a turn for the worse, with the cold weather affecting dry skin even more. If you have dermatitis or think you might, this is what you need to know about the skin condition.

What is it?

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is triggered by allergens, specific chemicals, or certain substances. The most obvious and primary way to identify eczema is dry, itchy skin. Unlike other forms of eczema, the affected skin will usually clear up if contact with a trigger is stopped.

Symptoms

Other than dryness or itchiness, other symptoms can include:

• Blistering
• Bumps
• Discharge from the skin
• Scaly skin
• A ‘tight’ feeling in the skin

Differences

Before we delve into the causes of dermatitis, it’s critical to establish the differences between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Both conditions cause the skin to itch, dry out, and turn red, but they are also completely different. Irritant contact dermatitis is usually more widespread and, unlike allergic contact dermatitis, doesn’t involve the immune system so isn’t an allergy. As its name suggests, irritant contact dermatitis occurs due to exposure to irritants. However, allergic contact dermatitis is more localised and can cause the skin to blister and swell.

There is also a third type called photocontact dermatitis. This is far less common than the other types and occurs when the active ingredients in a skin product are exposed to the sun which can lead to the skin being irritated.

Causes

Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis might include:

• Jewellery
• Latex
• Perfumes or fragrances

Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis might include:

• Strong chemical products like bleach
• Detergents
• Soap

If you think you suffer from contact dermatitis, the following points are essential to think about:

• When did it first start?
• Are you aware of specific triggers?
• Have you used any new products?

Patch test

If you’ve been using new products that may be causing your skin to react negatively, try eliminating them from your routine and see if this makes a difference and clears your skin. Any new products you do use, be sure to check the ingredients list and do a patch test before using.

A patch test can be carried out at home. All you have to do is apply a small amount of product to a ‘patch’ of your body (such as the inside of your elbow) and after a few hours, look for any signs of irritation. If your skin reacts, you’ll notice some itching or swelling in the area you applied the product too. Patch testing can help you identify which chemicals are causing your skin to react.

We highly recommend that you have an allergy test to determine whether or not you have dermatitis, and what your triggers are. The skin can become easily dried out and irritable during cold weather, so finding out as soon as possible what is affecting your skin means that you can seek out treatment.

If your skin feels dry, itchy, and red, it might suggest you have allergies or a skin condition that you didn’t even think about. Why not request an allergy test today or speak to our experts, so that you can live irritant-free.

Why eczema flares at night and how to deal with it

7th September 2018

Why eczema flares at night and how to deal with it

Eczema during the day isn’t easy to deal with, but at bedtime, it can be a nightmare. It disrupts sleep and causes anxiety. It sometimes increases the likelihood of health problems, such as insomnia.

What causes eczema to flare at night?

During the daytime, the body produces a natural anti-inflammatory called cortisol. Unfortunately, our cortisol levels drop during the night. This can leave eczema sufferers without the natural ‘protection’ against itchy, heated skin.

Dealing with discomfort

If you or your child has eczema, you already know how it feels to have lotions, potions and everything in between recommended to you that will ‘treat’ eczema. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, there are several ways to soothe discomfort so that you can have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Material

Eczema sufferers are no stranger to staying clear of ‘triggering’ fabrics like wool and polyester. However, have you thought about investing in bedding that’s less likely to make your skin itch? Silk, satin or man-made materials aren’t soothing for your skin. They cause your body to sweat which can make your eczema sting and become more irritated. Linen and cotton are a far better option for bedding than man-made fabrics and will help keep your skin cool.

The same goes for pyjamas. Avoid wearing these types of fabrics and ‘prickly’ materials such as brush cotton or wool. It’s also important to use natural, no-fragrance washing powders and fabric softeners.

Temperature

Temperature can play a significant role in how irritated your eczema can be. When getting ready for bed, we suggest turning down the heating and avoiding too many layers. You could use a fan, but that isn’t always the best solution. If you shower before bed, using cool/lukewarm water is preferable to hot water as your skin won’t react as severely. You should also use body washes or soap that are free from harsh and triggering chemicals.

Don’t scratch!

How many times have you been told, or had to tell your child, not to scratch? As the intensity of the condition develops during bedtime, it may be worth wearing cotton mittens to stop from scratching too much.

Lotions

Although most eczema sufferers don’t have just one holy grail product for handling their eczema, you should keep your essential moisturisers by your bed ready to apply to prominent itches so that you avoid the urge to scratch.

Clean

Keeping your environment clean and dust free can make all the difference when it comes to eczema. Dust is a common trigger for flare-ups so spending a little time dusting at the end of the day can be a big help.

If you find that you’re experiencing some of these symptoms but aren’t sure that it’s eczema, or want to learn more about the skin condition, don’t suffer, book an allergy test. Talk to our consultants today to take the first steps towards getting a proper night’s sleep.

Eczema in the sun

6th July 2018

Eczema in the sun

Eczema in the winter is unpleasant; the cold weather dries the skin out quickly. However, dealing with eczema-prone skin in the summer isn’t any easier.  Eczema is an awful condition to deal with; it’s itchy, it stings and burns, and it can even interrupt day to day activities including sleep. If you find yourself having flare-ups during the heatwave, then follow these tips to keep your eczema from getting worse.

Keep it natural

Wear natural fabrics – we recommend wearing soft, airy fabrics such as cotton or linen. The same goes for bedding – swap manmade fabrics for 100% cotton or linen.

Tips:

• Be sure to use no-fragrance washing powders and fabric softeners.

Don’t sweat it

Staying sweat free isn’t easy but if you do start to perspire and you find that it is irritating your skin, try taking a cold (or lukewarm) shower and changing into airy clothes – and be sure to moisturise after. If you’re stuck in the office – don’t be afraid to go to the bathroom and rinse your arms and face in the sink.

Deodorant is essential during the hot weather, however, using a natural deodorant may help to lessen the risk of irritating the skin especially as eczema thrives in the crevices such as the underarms.

Tips:

• Pack cloths/flannels in your bag to wipe away sweat throughout the day.

Cover up

Everyone needs to be careful when out in the sun, however, eczema sufferers need to take extra caution. Try not to stay out in the sun for too long, mainly if your eczema areas are not covered up.

Tips:

• Make sure you wear sun lotion – sunburn won’t help your eczema. Lotions, as well as bug repellents, should be non-allergenic and free from any ingredients that trigger flare-ups.
• If you need to go outdoors, avoid going out in peak hours (10:00-15:00).

Stay hydrated

One of the most important things to do during the summer is to stay hydrated – water is essential! Sweating causes you to lose electrolytes such as zinc and vitamin D – leading to fatigue which can increase anxiety, and therefore flare-ups.

Tips:

• If you cannot commit to drinking plain water – try adding in some fruit for a natural flavour alternative.

Fun in the sun

Although some sufferers may find that the salty sea water helps to soothe their body and mind (which is helpful to avoid anxiety and flare-ups), we wouldn’t advise chlorine-filled swimming pools. The harsh chemical, even in a small quantity, might prompt your eczema to become more aggressive.

Tips:

• If you do decide to swim in the ocean, remember to wear sun lotion and apply body lotion/gel after to hydrate your skin.

Flower power

Unfortunately, eczema belongs to the allergy family which means that many individuals who have eczema may also suffer from hay fever – however, an aloe vera plant is a natural, low-pollen plant to keep your skin from feeling hot. Aloe vera has become well-known to cool your skin and sometimes even treat eczema. Aloe plants are also known to clean the air of pollutants.

(Note: Make sure your body doesn’t react negatively to aloe before using it excessively.)

Tips:

• You can get aloe as a plant or in health and beauty stores.

We understand that eczema isn’t easy to manage and that there isn’t one easy way to deal with it, however, remember to keep things natural, and not to overexpose your skin to harsh chemicals, and to avoid prolonged time in the water.

If you find that you’re experiencing some of these symptoms but aren’t convinced that it is eczema, perhaps you’re facing another allergy that you’re not aware of? Don’t suffer in silence. Book an allergy test with one of our consultants today to take the first steps towards living an allergy-free life.

To learn more about eczema read about it here.

World Allergy Week 2018: atopic dermatitis

25th April 2018

World Allergy Week 2018: atopic dermatitis

It’s officially World Allergy Week 2018, and this year the World Allergy Organization are focusing on raising awareness for atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. We are going to aid them in this task by discussing what atopic dermatitis is, its effects, and its treatments.

What is it?

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease. It affects people of all ages but more commonly begins during infancy and childhood. Sometimes you can outgrow it before adulthood, but it can also last into adulthood or begin during adulthood.

Atopic dermatitis disrupts the skin’s ability to hold moisture. It makes it itchy and red, with small blisters or oozing. In its chronic form, the skin may appear darkened, dry and thick. These symptoms are very uncomfortable for people living with the condition. This includes up to 5-30% of children and 1-10% of adults globally.

The discomfort is only one effect of atopic dermatitis. The changes it makes to the skin can also cause problems with self-esteem and mental well-being. This is particularly worrying for those in vulnerable groups, like children. Also, proper ongoing treatment requires a lot of attention, time, and care which can be disruptive and annoying in people’s everyday lives.

Where does it come from?

So what causes atopic dermatitis? There are several factors at play here. It is the most common chronic skin condition and is often genetically transmitted. It can be triggered by temperature and humidity, harsh soaps and detergents, weather changes, stress, microbial infections, lack of sleep, and allergens. Atopic dermatitis as a reaction to a food allergen is most common in children. But other allergens like dust mites, animal dander, and inhalant allergens can also trigger it.

Most people who have atopic dermatitis have a family or personal history of allergies. It’s often one of the first signs of allergic hypersensitivity during the first months with other allergies likely to follow. These frequently include a food allergy, hay fever, or asthma. But if you catch the symptoms early in childhood, dermatologists and allergists may be able to prevent or modify the development of new allergies and the experience of existing ones.

Treatment

Even if you receive no preventative treatment, there are other treatments available for people with atopic dermatitis surrounding trigger avoidance, medications, and skin care. The use of these approaches will depend on the severity of the disease. Treatments may include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants, antihistamines, phototherapy, biological therapy, oral corticosteroids, or bleach baths and triclosan washes.

The hope with these treatments is that they will reduce the negative impacts of atopic dermatitis on quality of life. It can be chronic, disturb your sleep, make you self-conscious, limit your daily activities, impact your relationships, and make you susceptible to infections and viruses. These effects combine to make day to day life challenging and less enjoyable. In this case, any potential treatments to avoid the problems atopic dermatitis causes are essential.

To get involved with World Allergy Week, connect with us on twitter @Allergy_London using the #WorldAllergyWeek tag and help spread awareness of atopic dermatitis. To make an appointment with one of our specialist consultants, book online today. London Allergy & Immunology Centre can provide you with comprehensive allergy tests and the best treatment for you.

Why are allergies on the rise in the UK?

5th March 2018

Why are allergies on the rise in the UK?

In the UK, the number of people with allergies grows by 5% every year, and half of these people are children. Research from 2007 indicated a 500% increase in food allergies since 1990. Hay fever, asthma, and eczema have been rising for 3 decades and continue to do so. These are only two of the statistics that highlight the trend in increasing allergies in the UK. There is much more research to support this. But what we don’t know is what the actual cause of allergies is. There are many theories about this, but scientists are finding it hard to settle on just one. The most popular theories include the hygiene hypothesis, the mother’s diet during pregnancy, allergen exposure and atmospheric pollution. Each theory has its own unique points on why allergies may be increasing in the UK.

The cause of allergies?

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that exposing a child to potentially harmful bacteria can aid immune system development. As a society, we focus on creating clean environments for our children. This creates a lack of exposure to dirt and bacteria and could impede immune system development. Research has shown that children have higher rates of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies when they live in very clean environments.

Other research suggests that the mother’s diet may influence a child’s likelihood of developing allergies. Researchers from Imperial College London recently found that when mothers took fish oil supplements during pregnancy, in combination with breastfeeding, their children were 30% less likely to be allergic to eggs and 22% less likely to develop eczema. This study focuses on very specific allergies. But, evidence exists to suggest linkages between prenatal diet and other allergies in children.

No smoke without fire?

One study found that mothers who ate more tree nuts during pregnancy were less likely to have a child with a nut allergy. Yet, the research into the relationship between a mother’s diet and allergies is inconclusive. It can only suggest a relationship between the two factors, rather than causality. You should always talk to your GP before taking supplements and changing your diet during pregnancy.

Some suggest that the increased prevalence of allergies in the UK is a result of increased exposure to allergens. This contradicts the idea that increased exposure to allergens could reduce sensitivity. However, it supports the idea that increased atmospheric pollution could cause more asthma. Two-thirds of people in the UK report that poor air quality worsens their asthma. Also, research shows that children living in more polluted areas have a higher chance of developing asthma.

Despite each having research to support them, these ideas surrounding the causes of allergies in the UK are still theoretical. The evidence that does exist remains inconclusive. There could be some truth to them all but what the evidence does highlight, is a need for further research.

If you think you are suffering from an allergy and would like to get tested, you can book an appointment with us online or by phone or request an allergy test.

Scratching the surface of eczema

3rd January 2018

Scratching the surface of eczema

Dry, sensitive, and itchy skin is no laughing matter. Sadly for the estimated 15 million sufferers in the UK alone, atopic dermatitis – that’s eczema to you and me – is incredibly common. This pesky inflammatory skin disease can be very uncomfortable to the host, making skin red raw, dry, cracked, and tender. It’s more likely to occur in children, with almost a third of youngsters having this irritating ailment. But it affects more than just our infants. Eczema can occur at any age.

By definition, atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition, meaning that it’s long-lasting and has a tendency to flare periodically. It also commonly accompanies other allergies, such as hay fever or asthma.

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by direct contact with something an individual has an allergy; typically, this will be from chemicals, bathroom products, jewellery, make-up or materials used in construction. Usually, you see delayed reactions, which can range from flaring up in a matter of hours to several days.

As an example, you can consider certain washing detergents as irritants because they can damage the outer layer of skin. But in the case of contact allergy, the immune system that recognises the allergen as a threat will damage skin. It’s more likely to affect the face and hands because the skin is thinner.

Touchy feely

There have been conflicting theories about whether or not contact allergy is a common problem in sufferers of atopic dermatitis. Some believe that patients with atopic dermatitis were unlikely to also suffer from contact dermatitis. The British Journal of Dermatology recently conducted a systematic review to challenge this and get to the bottom of the debate.

They wanted to distinguish the truth in the importance of undertaking a patch test for the allergens for contact dermatitis when a patient already suffers from atopic dermatitis.

To test the theory, they examined 68 children that fell into either category of “with” or ”without” atopic dermatitis. They measured results when a child experienced a minimum of one positive patch test reaction. It affected 41.7% of the children “with” as well as 46.6% of children “without”. These results show that whether an individual suffers from atopic dermatitis or not, patch testing is still vital as you may miss allergens for allergic contact dermatitis.

If you are one of the 15 million people that find yourself suffering from itchy skin and want to find out more about how you improve your condition, please book an appointment with our consultants.

Patch testing for contact dermatitis

24th December 2017

Patch testing for contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis can be provoked by many chemicals, which can make discerning the origin of the reaction challenging. After all, different people react in different ways to different things. Often what triggers an allergic response in one individual will see no reaction in another. Despite this, it often manifests under the umbrella term of ‘eczema’ on any individual, regardless of that original cause. Thankfully, there are ways to narrow down the search. If you want to determine which specific substance is causing the inflammation, you might want to consider patch testing.

Patch testing helps to distinguish which substances may be causing an allergic reaction in a patient’s skin. It’s a useful puzzle to solve as the contact allergy can damage the skin. You can use other tests (such as blood testing) to look for sensitisation to fungal allergens. The problem with this though is that it might be only the aggravating factor, not the causative on. A patch test is a provocation test; the intention is to produce a local allergic reaction on a small area of the patient’s back, where the diluted chemicals are placed on a plaster.

Testing, 1, 2, 3

The initial process of patch testing generally takes no longer than around half an hour to apply the patch, though this can vary based on the number of allergens you are testing for. After 48 hours the consultant will remove the patches. However, it’s important to remember that the results of patch testing will not occur immediately after the removal of the plaster. Not everyone will see positive results; it can take between 2-4 days for a reaction to occur. After this period, you will return for a third appointment, and the consultant will record which of the allergens have yielded a noticeable effect on the skin.

It’s also important to note that patch testing only tests for contact dermatitis triggered by chemicals, and not other types of allergy. In the case of food allergy or respiratory symptoms, you may also require a blood test or skin prick test. These processes can indicate allergic reactions to stimuli that do not provoke the same response as contact dermatitis.

The intention of patch testing is to indicate what is causing the allergic response, and when identified the patients will need to avoid the allergen that triggers the reaction. Ultimately, once you know what is causing your contact dermatitis, you can begin to adjust your lifestyle in ways that avoid as much contact with the implicated allergen as possible. For optimal skin health, maintaining a great skincare regime is vital and is likely to prevent further skin infection.

You can only carry out patch testing on the recommendation of a consultant. Our consultant will review your condition and advise if contact allergy is suspected and when patch testing can be done. Please book an appointment with one of our staff.