Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when allergy-causing substances touch the skin. Contact dermatitis can be hard to tell apart from non-allergic rashes. Often you will need allergy skin tests called patch tests. Patch tests are a way to detect contact allergies. We offer a more extensive set of tests than is usual using the North American Patch Test series

In patch tests, small amounts of suspected allergens are placed in a series of small strips of chambers and taped to one's back.  These strips are removed after 48 hours.  A red spot at  the site of the patch may indicate an allergy.

Dr. Newman is a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society.