Comprehensive Patch Test offered at Tanglewood Clinic; one of few testing sites in the Greater Houston area
HOUSTON (Feb. 14, 2018) – Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is offering comprehensive patch testing for patients with unexplained recurrent or persistent rashes suspected to be caused by an allergen. Patch testing is performed by John Griffin, M.D., F.A.A.D., and is available to patients at Kelsey-Seybold – Tanglewood Clinic at 1111 Augusta Drive, Houston, 77057.
Patch testing is a specialized test that evaluates more than 80 contact allergens to help determine whether a patient’s skin rash is caused or aggravated by an allergy to substances that come in contact with the skin. This test requires additional time and expertise. Dr. Griffin is one of the few dermatologists in the Houston area to offer comprehensive patch testing, despite the significant need for it.
“Contact dermatitis can be caused by a wide variety of allergens. For some patients, a screening patch test may not answer the question, ‘what is causing this rash?’ In the past, these patients would be referred to a provider who performed the comprehensive patch testing, sometimes waiting months for an appointment to have this test done,” said Dr. Griffin. “Being able to offer the comprehensive patch test to our Kelsey-Seybold patients will make testing more convenient, help us expedite getting results, and allow patients to begin treatment more quickly.”
Patients who are most likely the best candidates for patch testing are those who have had recurrent rashes or other skin reactions to substances with which they regularly come into contact. The contact dermatitis could be from something the patient uses in his or her occupation, or a reaction to items such as laundry detergent, makeup, soap, or, for those with unexplained mouth sores, dental appliances.
Patches are worn for three days and removed when the patient returns to the doctor. They are evaluated for any reactions on the day they return and again two days later to ensure a delayed response has not occurred. If the site under or around the patch is irritated, it may indicate a contact allergy.
To learn more about patch testing at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Tanglewood, visit the Kelsey-Seybold Patch Testing webpage or call 713-442-0427.
About Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is Houston’s premier multispecialty group practice, founded in 1949 by Dr. Mavis Kelsey in Houston’s famous Texas Medical Center. More than 400 physicians and allied health professionals practice at 19 locations and an accredited Sleep Center in the Greater Houston area. Medical services offered by Kelsey-Seybold include medical care in 55 medical specialties, including primary care and specialty care; outpatient surgery centers; an accredited Sleep Center; a Radiation Therapy Center; laboratory services; advanced radiology services and other diagnostic services; 15 on-site Kelsey pharmacies; and a secure web portal for patients to communicate with their Kelsey-Seybold doctors, get most test results, and schedule appointments.
Kelsey-Seybold has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as the nation’s first accredited Accountable Care Organization and a Level 3 (highest) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Kelsey-Seybold has many physicians in the Greater Houston area certified for excellence in diabetes, heart, and stroke care by the NCQA. In addition to these recognitions, Kelsey-Seybold is home to a nationally accredited Breast Diagnostic Center, Endoscopy Center, Infusion Center, and Cancer Center.