One of the most common skin disorders encountered by dermatologists is allergic contact dermatitis.  This is a very itchy, pink or reddish rash that can be localized to one site (e.g. hands), or can be widespread all over the body.  It results from contact with a chemical on the skin.  Common chemicals that elicit this rash include poison ivy, nickel (or other metals in jewelry), fragrances, topical antibiotics, forms of rubber (e.g. elastic), hair dye, and preservatives in shampoo.  It is often very difficult to figure out what chemical is causing the rash without performing a skin patch test.

     Typically, patch testing requires three office visits. First, we tape patches onto your back that will expose your skin to 80 chemicals that commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis. We see you back two days later to remove the patches and examine you to see if your skin is reacting to any of the chemicals. Finally, we see you back again to see if you have developed any delayed reactions to the 80 chemicals. We then try to figure out if any of the chemicals that caused skin reactions may be causing your rash.

     Randolph Dermatolgy now offers narrow band UVB phototherapy.  Phototherapy is an effective treatment for common skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), itching, vitiligo, and urticaria (hives). 

     Phototherapy also works for cutaneous T cell lymphoma, polymorphous light eruption, lichen planus, and granuloma annulare.