How Patch Testing Healed My Eczema

In the summer of 2022 I began to get rough, patchy, itchy skin on my chin and jawline. When I finally called my doctor to ask what was going on, he said it looked like eczema and prescribed a cream to treat my small problem spots. The treatment worked quickly and the eczema went away. But a short two weeks later, when I was away on vacation, I awoke to a horrible itchy and scaling rash all over my eyes and hairline, along with my chin and jaw. I knew then that I was in for a journey to getting this figured out.

I desperately tried to resolve the issue myself. I looked up every cream, regime, and home-remedy I could to fix these flare ups. I tried countless trends and spent way too much money on products that would only be a temporary fix. When I finally went into my Dermatologist, he noted that based on where the reactions were occurring (eyes, hairline, jaw, and neck), the eczema was most likely a response to some of my everyday products. He recommended I do patch testing to identify the root cause of these allergic reactions.

Something I was absolutely dreading, even though I knew it would give me all my answers. Essentially patch testing is a method to identify what ingredients cause an allergic reaction. In my experience, I had 80 allergens placed all over my back. The substance is held in a little flat box that flushes against your skin. Once all the patches are in place, they secure them with a special clear tape that covers them all. I had to keep the 80 allergens on my back for two days - I could not sweat, shower, or really stretch my back for those two days. This is so I did not affect any of the allergens and the doctors could get the most accurate read on my reactions. After the two days, they would be able to see what substances I was allergic too.

A few moments after I left the office to get the patches on, I began to feel the reactions occuring. And that was the other thing... no itching allowed. I could feel some spots slightly burning and growing a little itchy. It was a long two days but ultimately, I was so happy I did the test because my results shocked me.

I was basically allergic to everything I was putting on my face directly every day. Out of the 80 allergens, I had a reaction to about 12 of them. A lot of these substances I would not even notice in the ingredient list on my products. A day after the patches get removed, I went back to the office and they showed me a list of all the products I could use, spanning across makeup/hair/skincare/medications/cleaners, etc. The doctor plugged in all the allergens I had a reaction too and my list was made.

I discovered I was allergic to my shampoo & conditioner, leave-in conditioner, hair oil, face wash, primer, foundation, and contour stick. I was in complete disbelief. I had unknowingly been compromising my system day after day! These products also were not new, they had been apart of my routine for at least over a year. Then all of a sudden, my body was just disagreeing with all of them! It was time to significantly change up the way I was doing things and switch out all my products.

Some of the products I was allergic too I was able to return and some went to very lucky friends of mine. As I tearily said goodbye to some of my staple and most favorite products, I began to stock up on the things I was allowed to use. The doctor said it could do take weeks to months for my current eczema to clear up once eliminating the bad products. But, within a couple days of changing things up, I saw significant improvements. It was not a light experience and my wallet unfortunately took a hit having to get these replacement products, but the long term end result was so worth it.

I switched up my routine and was relieved when the reactions disappeared from my face. I also noticed a large change in my anxiety levels. Simply knowing what was causing my flare ups brought me a lot of clarity and in turn, I felt more calm. When a flare up does occur for me now, I know I probably used or touched something my body doesnt agree with and I need to be mindful. Not using products that triggered me also lowered my anxiety levels as my body is not constantly battling ingredients that are not meant for me.

I was nervous to do this experiment, but ultimately, I couldn't be happier I did. If not for this test, I would still be using makeup, hair products, and wearing jewelry that causes rashes and discomfort. If you have been struggling with this type of eczema, I highly recommend doing a patch test to get to the root cause of your reactions! It only brings you answers and slight lifestyle changes for the better.