SERVICES

OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOLOGY

Occupational dermatology is focused on skin diseases and conditions caused by a variety of external factors in the working environment. These may be detergents, chemicals, solutions, products, metals and plastics. The most common occupational skin disease is contact dermatitis. It may be irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, but often is a combination of both. If you suspect that contact with a particular substance at work is causing or worsening your skin rash visit Dr Spengane for a consultation.

PATCH TESTS

A patch test is a diagnostic tool used by your dermatologist to identify specific allergens that cause allergic or contact dermatitis. Since contact dermatitis is caused or aggravated by certain substances, knowing what triggers it, is vital to treatment plan.

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

A patch tests is done by applying small amounts of allergens to the skin. Small chambers are filled with common known allergens and applied to the skin of the upper back. After 48 hours your dermatologist examines the skin for changes such as redness, rash or blistering. If present on the areas exposed to a particular allergen then you have a positive patch test and need to remove exposure to that allergen.