Skin Tests

 

What are skin tests?

Skin tests may be performed to diagnose skin allergies, bacterial or fungal skin infections, and other diseases. Skin tests are also performed to differentiate between malignant (cancerous) cells and benign (noncancerous) growths.

What are the most common skin tests?

  • patch testing
    Patch tests are used to help diagnose skin allergies. Identified allergins are applied to the skin with adhesive patches and left for a period of time. The skin is then examined for any reaction.
  • skin biopsy
    A skin biopsy is the removal of skin for laboratory analysis. The sample of skin may be removed with a scalpel or a cylindrical punch, after local anesthesia. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose skin cancer or benign skin disorders.
  • culture
    Skin, hair, or nails may be cultured to detect bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Latest Dermatology News
Smoking tied to higher psoriasis risk

February 2, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Adding to the list of possible health consequences from smoking, a large study suggests that smokers have an increased risk of developing the chronic skin condition psoriasis.

Overweight linked to acne in teen girls

January 20, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Overweight girls in their late teens were twice as likely as their normal-weight peers to report having a lot of acne in a large new survey of Norwegian teenagers that did not find the same link in boys.

U.S. indoor tanning tax having mixed effects

January 19, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although a 2010 federal excise tax was meant to deter customers from using indoor tanning salons, only a minority of the businesses taking part in a new survey reported a drop in clients and most said their customers did not seem to care.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health
Diagnosis & Testing