Question 1

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and blistering when skin directly contacts an allergen. It is caused by an immune system hypersensitivity reaction to specific substances such as metals, fragrances, preservatives, or industrial chemicals like phthalic anhydride. The Phthalic Anhydride (k79) IgE test is the most important test for identifying this specific industrial allergen trigger.

Question 2

What causes allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by direct skin exposure to allergens that trigger an immune system hypersensitivity reaction. Common culprits include nickel in jewelry, fragrances in cosmetics, preservatives in personal care products, latex in gloves, poison ivy, and industrial chemicals like phthalic anhydride used in manufacturing. When your skin encounters these substances, your immune system overreacts and releases inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes painful blisters. Unlike irritant contact dermatitis which happens immediately, allergic contact dermatitis typically develops 24 to 48 hours after exposure once your immune system has been sensitized to the allergen.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Phthalic Anhydride (k79) IgE test is the most important blood test for allergic contact dermatitis caused by industrial chemical exposure because it detects specific IgE antibodies indicating allergic sensitization to this common industrial allergen. This test is particularly valuable for people working in manufacturing, plastics, or chemical industries who develop recurring skin reactions. While patch testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing contact allergies in general, IgE blood tests help identify specific allergen triggers, especially for substances like phthalic anhydride, nickel, latex, and various chemicals. These blood tests measure your immune system response and provide concrete evidence of sensitization, helping you avoid future exposures and prevent recurring reactions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop recurring skin rashes, redness, or itching after touching certain materials or products, especially if over-the-counter treatments are not helping. Testing is particularly important if you work in industries with chemical exposure, handle metals or latex regularly, or notice your skin reacts to specific jewelry, cosmetics, or cleaning products. You should also consider testing if you have unexplained eczema-like symptoms that appear in specific body areas where products or materials touch your skin, or if you need to identify the exact allergen causing your reactions so you can effectively avoid it in your daily life and workplace.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptoms include red, inflamed skin at the contact site, intense itching that can disrupt sleep, small fluid-filled blisters that may weep or crust over, and dry, scaly, or thickened skin with repeated exposure. You might notice the rash appears 24 to 48 hours after touching the allergen and is usually limited to the area where contact occurred, such as under a watch band, around your neck from jewelry, or on your hands from gloves or chemicals. The affected skin may burn or feel tender, and in severe cases, the reaction can spread beyond the initial contact area. Chronic exposure can lead to persistent eczema-like changes with cracked, leathery skin.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

People who work in certain occupations face higher risk, including hairdressers exposed to hair dyes, healthcare workers using latex gloves, construction workers handling cement and chemicals, cleaners using harsh products, and manufacturing employees working with industrial chemicals. Individuals with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are more susceptible to developing contact allergies. Women are at slightly higher risk due to greater exposure to cosmetics, fragrances, and jewelry. People who frequently use personal care products, have their ears or body pierced, or have occupations requiring repeated handwashing and glove use are also more likely to develop allergic contact dermatitis.

Question 7

What happens if allergic contact dermatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated allergic contact dermatitis can lead to chronic skin inflammation, persistent itching, and thickened, leathery skin called lichenification from constant scratching. The skin barrier becomes compromised, increasing your risk of bacterial infections like impetigo or cellulitis, which can cause pain, swelling, and fever requiring antibiotic treatment. Continued exposure to the allergen causes increasingly severe reactions, and the affected areas may develop permanent skin discoloration or scarring. Chronic untreated dermatitis can spread to larger body areas and significantly impact your quality of life through sleep disruption, reduced work productivity, and emotional distress. In severe cases, the constant inflammation can lead to hand eczema that affects your ability to perform daily tasks.

Question 8

Can allergic contact dermatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests can help identify specific allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis by measuring IgE antibodies to particular substances, though they are typically used alongside clinical examination and patch testing. The Phthalic Anhydride (k79) IgE test, for example, detects sensitization to this industrial chemical allergen. However, allergic contact dermatitis is primarily diagnosed through your medical history, physical examination of the rash pattern, and patch testing, where small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to your skin for 48 hours to observe reactions. Blood tests are most valuable when you need to identify specific chemical allergens, cannot undergo patch testing due to severe skin conditions, or work in industrial settings with multiple chemical exposures.

Question 9

How is allergic contact dermatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

The most important treatment is identifying and completely avoiding the allergen causing your reactions. Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments reduce inflammation and itching, with prescription-strength options for severe cases. Cool compresses with plain water or saline solution soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling. For intense itching, oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine or cetirizine provide relief, especially at night. Moisturizers and barrier creams help repair and protect damaged skin. In severe or widespread cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids like prednisone for short-term use. If bacterial infection develops from scratching, topical or oral antibiotics are necessary. Phototherapy or immunosuppressive medications may be considered for chronic, severe cases that do not respond to standard treatments.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Prevent reactions by avoiding known allergens once identified through testing, reading product labels carefully for ingredients that trigger your symptoms, and using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free personal care products. Wear protective gloves when handling chemicals or cleaning products, choosing nitrile or vinyl gloves if you are latex-sensitive. Apply barrier creams before potential allergen exposure to create a protective layer on your skin. Choose nickel-free jewelry and watch bands, and coat metal buttons or zippers with clear nail polish to prevent direct skin contact. At work, follow safety protocols for chemical handling, use proper protective equipment, and request material safety data sheets to identify potential allergens. Keep your skin well-moisturized to maintain a healthy skin barrier, and wash exposed areas immediately after contact with potential allergens.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with allergic contact dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies can provide supportive relief alongside medical treatment. Apply cool oatmeal baths or colloidal oatmeal paste to soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer with mild antimicrobial properties to protect compromised skin. Aloe vera gel directly from the plant provides cooling relief and promotes healing. Calendula cream or chamomile compresses have anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin. Apple cider vinegar diluted with equal parts water can help balance skin pH and reduce itching, though avoid applying to broken skin. Keep the affected area cool and avoid hot showers that worsen inflammation. While these remedies can provide comfort, they should complement rather than replace allergen avoidance and medical treatment, especially for severe reactions.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis Blood Test

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

What causes allergic contact dermatitis?

What is the best test for allergic contact dermatitis?

When should I get tested for allergic contact dermatitis?

References

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