Identifying Eczema

The best thing that can happen to you is to find the triggers for eczema and to remove them. If you can do this successfully – congratulations – you have cleared the eczema. Here are three proven methods that help you to succeed in your efforts to identify triggers:

Method 1: Patch Testing

Patch Testing involves deliberately putting potential triggers onto an unaffected area of skin, usually on the arm or the back. Each area of skin is marked with felt tip and covered with gauze and a plaster for 24 – 48 hours. A positive test produces an inflammatory reaction on the skin. Patch test are fairly simple and effective for many people, but there are drawbacks, such as:

Strong reaction with unbearable itching

Sensitization to new allergens

False negative results: the person is really allergic but the test does not show it, because it does not exactly mimic real live contact

Your should talk to your medical adviser to learn more about the detailed procedures for Patch Testing.