How is CD diagnosed?
Your doctor or dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in skin problems) can tell whether your symptoms are CD, an infection, or another skin condition. If it’s CD, they can help you get rid of it by diagnosing what’s irritating your skin or causing an allergic reaction, and by helping you avoid what caused the CD.
Your dermatologist will diagnose CD by examining your rash’s pattern and intensity. He or she will need background information to help identify the irritant or allergen that’s causing your CD. It will be extremely helpful to your doctor if you have the following information:
- List of all your symptoms, when they started, and are symptoms continuous or occasional
- Anything you’ve done that helps your symptoms; and anything that makes them worse
- All the medications and dosages you take; include over-the-counter meds, vitamins and food supplements
- All the personal-care products you use
- Cleaning products or other chemicals you use
- Anything new that’s come into your house or job -- new personal care products, pets, furniture, food
- Anything related to your work or a hobby that involves products that come in contact with your skin
It’s possible to develop an allergy to a product you’ve used for years. The product may have a new formula with different ingredients, or you may have developed a new allergic reaction to it.
You may also have a patch test to determine if you’re allergic to a substance. Patch tests are especially helpful if your rash comes and goes. Small amounts of potential allergens are placed on patches that are stuck on your skin for two to three days. The doctor will remove the patches and check for skin reactions.
