Contact Dermatitis Diagnosis & Treatment in Miami: Identify Your Triggers

Experiencing unexplained rashes, itching, or skin reactions? Our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive patch testing and treatment to identify the exact cause of your contact dermatitis and help you avoid future reactions.

Schedule Your Consultation

Understanding Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs when your skin comes into contact with substances that either irritate it or trigger an allergic response. It's one of the most common occupational skin diseases and affects millions of people with unexplained rashes and skin reactions.

At Paradise Medical Center in Miami, our dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We understand how frustrating it can be to experience recurring skin reactions without knowing the cause—that's why we offer comprehensive patch testing to identify your specific triggers.

Identifying the cause of contact dermatitis is essential for successful treatment. Without knowing what's triggering your reactions, you may continue to be exposed and suffer ongoing symptoms. Our systematic approach to diagnosis ensures we find the culprit substances so you can avoid them effectively.

Once we identify your triggers, we provide comprehensive treatment to heal your current symptoms and develop avoidance strategies to prevent future reactions. Many patients are surprised to learn the everyday products or workplace exposures causing their problems.

Contact dermatitis patch testing at Paradise Medical Center Miami

Learn About Patch Testing for Allergies

🎬 Video Coming Soon: Dr. Teresa Moreno explains the patch testing process and contact dermatitis treatment

Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Services

We offer complete evaluation and treatment for contact dermatitis, from identifying triggers to healing your skin and preventing future reactions.

Patch Testing

The gold standard for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. We test for 80+ common allergens to identify your specific triggers.

Allergen Avoidance Counseling

Detailed guidance on avoiding identified allergens, including product recommendations and workplace accommodations.

Dermatitis Treatment

Topical and systemic treatments to heal current reactions and reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort.

Occupational Dermatitis Care

Specialized evaluation for work-related skin reactions with documentation for employers and workers' compensation.

Dermatologist treating contact dermatitis patient

Types of Contact Dermatitis

Understanding the type of contact dermatitis you have is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

An immune-mediated reaction to specific allergens. Symptoms typically develop 24-72 hours after exposure. Common allergens include nickel, fragrance, preservatives, and poison ivy. Patch testing identifies your specific allergies.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Direct skin damage from chemicals, friction, or repeated wet work. This is more common than allergic dermatitis and can occur in anyone with sufficient exposure. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, solvents, and acids.

Contact Dermatitis vs. Eczema

Contact dermatitis can be confused with atopic eczema. While both cause itchy, inflamed skin, they have different causes and treatment approaches. Our dermatologists can distinguish between these conditions.

Ruling Out Infections

Sometimes what appears to be contact dermatitis is actually a fungal or bacterial infection. Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the correct treatment.

The Patch Testing Process

Patch testing is a safe, effective way to identify the specific substances causing your allergic contact dermatitis. Here's what to expect:

Initial Consultation

We review your history, examine your skin, and discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, occupation, and potential exposures. This helps us select the most appropriate allergens to test and ensures we don't miss any likely culprits.

Patch Application (Day 1)

Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to your upper back in special chambers held in place by hypoallergenic tape. The standard series tests 80+ common allergens, and we may add supplemental series based on your specific exposures.

Readings (Days 2 and 4)

You return to have the patches removed and the skin examined at 48 hours, and again at 96 hours. Some reactions take several days to develop, making both readings essential for accurate results.

When Additional Testing is Needed

In some cases, a skin biopsy may be helpful to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions that can mimic contact dermatitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to a specific allergen, typically developing 24-72 hours after exposure and requiring prior sensitization. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct skin damage from chemicals or friction and can occur immediately in anyone with sufficient exposure. Both cause redness, itching, and sometimes blistering.

What is patch testing?

Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to your back under patches, left in place for 48 hours, then read at 48 and 96 hours. This systematically identifies the specific substances causing your allergic reactions.

How long does contact dermatitis take to heal?

With proper treatment and avoidance of the trigger, mild contact dermatitis typically improves within 1-3 weeks. More severe cases may take 4-6 weeks to fully resolve. Chronic exposure without identifying and avoiding the trigger can lead to persistent symptoms.

What are common allergens that cause contact dermatitis?

Common allergens include nickel (jewelry, belt buckles), fragrance (cosmetics, soaps), preservatives (like methylisothiazolinone in wet wipes and cosmetics), hair dye chemicals (PPD), rubber/latex, poison ivy/oak, and formaldehyde. Patch testing helps identify your specific triggers.

Visit Our Miami Dermatology Clinic

Paradise Medical Center Dermatology Clinic

8364 SW 8th St

Miami, FL 33144

Phone: (786) 738-9515

Ready to Identify Your Skin Triggers?

Stop guessing what's causing your skin reactions. Schedule patch testing today.

Call (786) 738-9515 to Book