Allergy Patch Testing for Atopic Dermatitis-Memphis Dermatologist

George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (06/21/2022)

For years, Dermatologists like myself have been instructing patients that many itchy skin rashes – like atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis – are genetic, meaning they run in certain families. But in 2022, the good news is that we can often check for trigger factors for itchy rashes by doing Allergy Patch Testing.

A mystery is the higher risk for flares of eczema among people with skin of color - particularly African-Americans - and Asians.

Sometimes the trigger factor for an itchy rash is actually a chemical behind what’s called Contact Dermatitis. The culprit might be a simple preservative like a formadehyde-releasing agent, in your cosmetics or toiletry products. Maybe the culprit is an allergy to a metal: nickel, cobalt, or gold. Or maybe you’re reacting to a mixing agent like propylene glycol or decyl glucoside. Or maybe to a rubber or latex ingredient.

As a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS), my own Dermatology practice has been offering Allergy Patch Testing since 2004, at Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates. If we can identify the culprit chemical, we can then identify products that are free of those chemicals through the ACDS’ national database, CAMP, for Contact Allergen Management Program.

So if you or a family member has been suffering from recurrent rashes or ongoing itching, or hand eczema (above), consider seeing a Dermatologist today. My own practice is with Rheumatology and Dermatology (www.Rheumderm.com), 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018. Or you can find one of us closer to you who offers Allergy Patch Testing by going to the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s website – ACDS.org – then simply plugging your zip code into the Physician Finder.

If you have recurrent itching, be aware that Dermatologists now have new medications – both topical and systemic – including Eucrisa Ointment, Atopiclair, and Dupixent. Never itch in silence. Get evaluated today.

Be aware that I am also President of Big River Silk™ Skincare Inc., a company that manufactures and distributes exfoliating moisturizers and cleansers to counteract skin aging from the sun, to help people find hypoallergenic products (SCIENCE SIMPLIFYING SKINCARE™). Check out our GlycoShea Creams and HypoShea Moisturizer Cream (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com).