PATCH TEST AFTERCARE

The following aftercare advice is essential to help reduce the risk of treatment complications, to improve your comfort/healing and to help achieve the best possible results from treatment.

Please follow the aftercare advice following a patch test.

• The tested area may be red and swollen afterwards. This should usually resolve within 48 hours.
• You must inform your practitioner if you experience any itchy red rash, hives, spreading redness or swelling after the patch test because this could indicate you are allergic to the product in question. It is helpful to send your practitioner a photograph of the affected area if possible.
• You may have localised bruising if the patch test was in the form of a small injection under the skin. Bruising will resolve naturally in 1-2 weeks.
• Any itchy rash will resolve naturally, usually within 48 hours, you can use some emollient cream locally on the affected skin which may be soothing. You can also take a simple over the counter antihistamine if the rash is persistent and itchy.
• See your doctor/GP if a rash following the patch test persists or significantly worsens. Also contact your practitioner/therapist.
• You must seek emergency medical attention if you experience any severe allergy symptoms or features of anaphylaxis such as facial swelling, rash and breathing difficulties. These would be extremely rare complications.