Skin · Treatment

Patch Testing for Allergies

A patch test is a controlled, real-world test for skin allergens — fragrance, metals, dyes, preservatives, hair-dye chemicals. When a rash keeps coming back without a clear cause, this is the most direct way to find the trigger.

Patch Testing for Allergies
Session20 minutes (application) plus readings
Course3 visits over 1 week
DowntimeKeep back dry — no swimming or heavy sweating for 48 hours
Quick answer
Standardised allergens applied to the upper back for 48 hours; reactions read at 48, 72, and 96 hours. Identifies contact-dermatitis triggers and produces a personal "safe-product" list.
Best suited for

Who this treatment helps

Recurrent contact dermatitis
Chronic eczema with no clear trigger
Suspected hair-dye, fragrance, or metal allergy
Occupational skin reactions
What to expect

A measured, four-stage process.

Step 01

Application

Small adhesive patches with standardised allergens applied to the upper back.

Step 02

48-hour wear

Patches stay on; back must remain dry. No exercise.

Step 03

First reading

Patches removed; reactions are graded.

Step 04

Delayed reading

A second reading at 72–96 hours catches slower reactions.

FAQ

Common questions about Patch Testing for Allergies.

Is this the same as a blood allergy test?
No. Blood tests find immediate (Type-I) allergies. Patch testing finds delayed (Type-IV) contact allergies — the cause of most rashes from products and metals.
Will I leave with answers the same day?
You leave with the patches in place. The actual reading happens on day 3 and again on day 4 or 5.
What do I get afterwards?
A written list of triggers to avoid and a safe-list of personal-care products formulated without those allergens.
Clinical references

Selected sources informing our protocol. We follow IADVL standard treatment guidelines and peer-reviewed dermatology literature, with adaptations for Indian skin tones.

  1. Patch testing — clinical protocols IADVL Contact and Occupational Dermatitis Special Interest Group
  2. Indian Standard Series — allergen panel Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IJDVL)
  3. Patch test — patient information DermNet NZ
After your session

A treatment is half our work and half yours — sun, products, and the small habits that protect your result.

Post-treatment care
Quick guidance

Not sure if this treatment is right for you?

Tell us your concern and how to reach you. We'll email a short doctor-led starting routine + when-to-consult signals, and our team will follow up to schedule your consultation.

  • Concern-specific guidance from Dr. Pinanky & Dr. Vijay Adhe
  • A short routine + when a consultation is genuinely useful
  • No spam. Your details stay between you and the clinic.
What is your top concern?

We'll email a calm starting framework within a few minutes and follow up to schedule a consultation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Eternis Clinic.

Ready to begin?

Book a consultation for a personalised Patch Testing for Allergies plan.

We'll examine your concern, agree the right protocol, and share a transparent estimate before you commit.