Patch Testing

The patch test (epicutaneous test) and photo patch test are used to clarify the etiology and diagnosis of allergic as well as light-potentiated contact der­ matitis. The patch test must be correlated with historic data and physical ex­ amination. Contact dermatitis constitutes a significant proportion (5%-15%) of the dis­ eases at dermatologic clinics. If the results are to be reliable, patch tests should be performed properly and the technique should not be varied in an arbitrary manner. The ex