Diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis

Clinical history. The diagnosis is based on a thorough interview which includes history of skin diseases, occupation, characteristics of the workplace, items of personal use, causes of exacerbation and improvement, development time and severity of the lesions.  

Epicutaneous or patch tests. They the gold standard method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. The test involves placing small amounts of the suspected substances (allergens) on patches, which are then applied to the skin, usually on the back. The patches stay in contact with the skin for 48 hours, with the final assessment done at 96 hours.  Exposure to these substances is always performed under controlled and safe conditions. The aim is to reproduce a local reaction that helps identify whether any of these allergens may be responsible for the dermatitis.