When our clients come into us for a consultation or prior to their first treatment, we give them a medical consent form querying if they suffer from any medical conditions we should be made aware of as well as allergies they may suffer from. We ask if you are allergic to any metals or pigment. We sometimes hear “I’m not really sure if I’m allergic to the pigment you use for the Scalp Micropigmentation procedure.” If you are concerned and are not sure, we can perform a patch test. What exactly is a patch test?
A patch test is a diagnostic method used to determine which specific substances cause allergic inflammation of a patient’s skin. Patch testing helps identify which substances may be causing a delayed type allergic reaction in a patient and may identify allergens not identified by blood testing or skin prick testing.
Patch testing involves applying a small amount of a substance or product to the skin and leaving it on to see if a reaction develops.
This differs from allergy tests, such as a skin prick test. Typically, an allergist will perform an allergy test to identify what is causing the symptoms, which may provide immediate reactions.
How is the patch test administered?
First, we will apply the pigment to a small patch of skin where a person is unlikely to accidentally wash or rub it away. Good areas may include the scalp, where it will just blend in with your natural hair follicles.
We will then apply the pigments to a quarter sized patch of skin, or the size of a penny. The technician will apply the product as they would when the actual Scalp Micropigmentation procedure is performed.
We will leave the product on the patch of skin for as long as it would normally be on the skin. If a person is testing a product that they would usually wash off, such as a cleanser, they should keep the patch on for five minutes or as long as the instructions advise. As this is a semi permanent pigment, it will not just wash off.
When performing a patch test, we will discuss with our clients where we will perform this test. It will be decided between both the client and the technician.
If you are allergic to the pigment, you may experience a rash which would present itself as dry, dull, and scaly. You could also experience itching, burning, swelling, and redness. You should not have any symptoms all over your body. If the pigment is to blame, your symptoms will only appear around the offending pigment. Red ink / pigment is the most common allergen. The great news? We do not use a red pigment so there really should not be any issues!
While we never had anyone suffer a serious reaction to the pigment, you should seek medical assistance if you experience any of the following:
Develop a rash which is bleeding or oozing yellow pus, which may be a sign of infection
Think you have a skin allergy
Have a rash that has not improved after 2–3 weeks
Develop hives all over the body
Experience a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis
Experience breathing difficulties
If you don’t have a reaction during the patch test, you are ok to have the treatments performed!
