What is the definitive diagnostic step to pinpoint the exact chemical causing Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)?
Answer
Patch testing
Patch testing is recognized as the only reliable and definitive method for confirming a specific chemical allergy underlying Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD). This specialized dermatological procedure involves applying small, known quantities of suspected allergens under patches placed directly onto the patient's back. These patches remain in place, typically for 48 hours, allowing time for the delayed hypersensitivity reaction characteristic of ACD to develop. The subsequent reading of the test sites allows the clinician to precisely identify the offending substance, enabling the patient to engage in targeted avoidance, moving beyond guesswork about the cause of chronic inflammation.
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