Allergy Testing in Eczema Atopic Dermatitis Psoriasis from a Memphis Dermatologist

George Woodbury
Jul 27
4 min read

By George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (07/27/2025)

Allergy Patch Testing is a way of evaluating chemical triggers for flares of Contact Dermatitis — Memphis Dermatologist George Woodbury Jr. MD on Allergy Testing to evaluate causes of flares of Atopic Dermatitis Eczema and Psoriasis

Since 2004 I have offered Allergy Testing for my Memphis Dermatology patients to help to figure out what may be causing flares of Contact Dermatitis, of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), or of Psoriasis. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in Allergy Patch Testing, as this type of testing can sometimes provide a cure from stubborn pruritus or itching.

Allergy Patch Testing can be very helpful for patients with Atopic Dermatitis Eczema and Psoriasis to check for causes of flares — Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels a patient about Allergy Testing or Allergy Patch Testing

First, many rashes sometimes felt to be Eczema or Psoriasis can in reality be what’s called Incognito Contact Dermatitis. By the term “InCognito Contact Dermatitis,” I mean that the patient is experiencing a type of allergic dermatitis due to a preservative, to a fragrance, or to a metal such as nickel. The patient comes into contact with that chemical, and a flare of their skin condition develops. Other leading culprits can include components of latex, dyes, or mixing agents (emulsifiers) in cosmetics and toiletries. Sometimes the cause of the rash is as simple as an ingredient in the patient’s shampoo or laundry detergent. So Allergy Patch Testing, a type of Allergy Testing, is a helpful way to evaluate the leading causes of contact rashes or Contact Dermatitis.

Contact Dermatitis can occur on the face or the body — Patient with an itchy Atopic Dermatitis flare or Eczema flare on her face

Allergy Patch Testing is to be distinguished from prick testing or RAST testing that may be available from Allergists, because Allergists are especially focused upon dietary-related chemicals, or respiratory-related chemicals, including molds, danders, and mildews, and nuts, eggs, and spices. Allergy Patch Testing is a type of testing more centered around chemicals that your skin may come into contact with, such as chemicals that are in clothing or textiles, or cosmetics and toiletries. Some Allergists do offer Allergy Patch Testing, whereas other Allergists will refer patients needing Allergy Patch Testing to Dermatologists.

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema can involve the face or body — Man in a flare of Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema who may benefit from Allergy Patch Testing or a type of Allergy Testing

Allergy Patch Testing involves having patches put under tape onto your back generally on a Monday of a week when you have time to return to get the patches removed and the sites evaluated for reactions, generally on the Wednesday and Friday of that same week.

Flares of Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema can affect children and adults — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels a patient about Allergy Testing

As a Memphis Dermatologist, or Cordova Dermatologist, I am able to offer “Extended Allergy Patch Testing,” allowing me to evaluate for 100 or more different chemicals, in an attempt to avoid missing chemical culprits. This extended testing is sometimes called Dormer testing. The chemicals to which we test are updated every several years, as ongoing Dermatologic research uncovers new chemical culprits. I have been a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society for over 15 years, allowing me to grow my own awareness of skin allergies with the findings of over 1100 other Dermatologists across the United States and Canada who offer this type of allergy testing.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of skin yeast infection that Dermatologists often treat with topical steroids — Patient with Seborrheic Dermatitis or Sebnorrheic Eczema on his face who would benefit from Allergy Testing

For more on Allergy Patch Testing, check out a short movie that my Dermatology practice sponsored for Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43QFMJ7TrcQ

Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Big River Silk Skincare staff

In 2016, I became President of Big River Silk Skincare, Inc., a skincare products company focused upon manufacturing, marketing, and distributing what are called hypoallergenic skincare products, meaning those that are less likely to cause contact dermatitis reactions. We manufacture a Refined Shea Butter moisturizer – HypoShea Moisturizer Lotion and HypoShea Moisturizer Cream – a fragrance-free moisturizer – rich in Shea Butter. (1 oz or 37 gm: $14.95; 2 oz or 57 gm: $22.95; 8 oz or 227 gm: $74.95, plus $7.50 for USPS handling and shipping for orders under $75.00).

HypoShea Moisturizer Lotion is a fragrance-free moisturizer and sulfate-free moisturizer — HypoShea Moisturizer Lotion contains Refined Shea Butter making it into a gentle moisturizer

Big River Silk Skincarre also manufactures a soft glycerine cleanser especially helpful for people with complexion issues like oily skin or combination skin and Acne – a type of Acne Wash – called AmberSoy Soap Gel (1 oz: $14.95/ 2 oz: $22.95; 8 oz: $74.95). We also manufacture an Antiwrinkle Cream – GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion – with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid called Glycolic Acid – which reduces the appearance of fine lines in the skin (1 oz: $44.95; 2 oz: $68.95; 8 oz: 8 oz: $229.95). All of Big River Silk’s products are free of sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, added perfumes, and problematic preservatives.

AmberSoy Soap Gel can be used as an Acne Wash or Acne Gel — AmberSoy Soap Gel is an Acne Wash with a soft glycerine constitution

So if you or a family member has been suffering from Pruritus, meaning ongoing rash, itching, or burning, consider getting into a Dermatologist’s office for an evaluation. My own Memphis Dermatology office – with Rheumatology and Dermatology – is in Cordova, Tennessee. Of you could find a “Best Dermatologist Near Me” or “Best Dermatologsits Near Me” by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab. The bottom line? Never itch in silence.