Patch Testing for Contact Allergies in Berkshire and London
Consultant-led allergy patch testing at Berkshire Grove Hospital and Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations
At Apex Skin Clinic, we offer private allergy patch testing for adults who experience persistent or recurring skin reactions.
This diagnostic service is designed to identify delayed contact allergies that can contribute to ongoing eczema, dermatitis or unexplained rashes.
Patch testing for adults is available at Apex Skin Clinic, based at Berkshire Grove Hospital in Maidenhead and paediatric patch testing is available at Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations. It is led by Dr Benjamin Chun-Man Lee, Consultant Dermatologist with specialist expertise in contact allergy and inflammatory skin disease and Dr Sara Sherif, Consultant Dermatologist. We welcome patients from across Berkshire and London, as well as neighbouring areas including Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire, who are seeking timely, consultant-led assessment.
When skin reactions don’t have a clear cause
Many people live with skin symptoms that flare repeatedly without an obvious trigger. You may find that prescribed creams or skincare changes offer short-term relief, only for symptoms to return. In many cases, the cause is something your skin comes into contact with regularly, rather than an internal allergy or infection.
Contact allergies can be difficult to identify because reactions are delayed, often appearing hours or days after exposure. This delay makes it hard to link cause and effect without structured testing. Patch testing provides a clear, methodical way to investigate potential triggers and move beyond repeated short-term treatment.
-
![A man with dark hair and glasses, dressed in a shirt tie and braces smiling at the camera]()
Dr Benjamin Chun-Man Lee
Consultant Dermatologist
-
![Dr Sara Sherif with curly, shoulder-length brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black top, in a well-lit room with a blurred background.]()
Dr Sara Sherif
Consultant Dermatologist
-
![A woman wearing blue scrubs, smiling in a medical setting with a blurred background.]()
Sarah Millward
Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist
-
![A woman with long red hair and a nose piercing wearing a beige medical scrub top, smiling indoors.]()
Laura O'Hare
Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist
-
![Close-up of a woman with glasses looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.]()
Jackie Brighton
Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist
-
![A woman with long brown hair smiling in a bright room with white curtains.]()
Jennifer Povey
Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist
More Than a Standard Mole Check
Patch testing is commonly used to investigate persistent or recurrent skin conditions that do not fully respond to standard treatments.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom control, patch testing aims to identify underlying triggers so they can be avoided, supporting longer-term skin stability and confidence.
Patch testing allows us to investigate:
✓Persistent or recurrent eczema
✓Facial, eyelid or hand dermatitis
✓Reactions to skincare
✓Cosmetics or hair products
✓Sensitivity to metals
✓Fragrances or preservatives
✓Occupational skin reactions
✓Dermatitis
Who patch testing is suitable for
Patch testing may be appropriate if you are an adult with chronic or recurring dermatitis, experience repeated flare-ups without a clear cause, suspect reactions to products or materials you come into contact with, work in an environment that exposes your skin to potential allergens, or want clarity rather than repeated short-term treatment.
If patch testing is not the most appropriate investigation for you, this will be discussed openly during your consultation.
Patch testing for children is offered at Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations, where the appropriate facilities and approvals are in place. Our team can advise on the most suitable location when booking.
What to expect from your patch testing appointments
Patch testing is carried out over a series of visits. During your first appointment, the test patches are applied to your back and you will receive clear guidance on how to care for the area while the patches are in place.
After the patches are removed, your skin is examined for early signs of reaction. A further review takes place several days later to identify delayed responses, which are a key feature of contact allergy.
Your results are interpreted by Dr Benjamin Lee or Dr Sara Sherif who will explain what they mean in the context of your symptoms, lifestyle and skin history.
Why consultant-led patch testing matters
Patch testing is not simply about identifying a positive or negative result. Accurate diagnosis relies on careful interpretation, distinguishing true allergic reactions from irritation and understanding how findings relate to real-world exposure.
At Apex Skin Clinic, patch testing is led by a consultant dermatologist with specialist expertise in contact allergy. This ensures results are assessed within a proper clinical framework, with clear explanation and appropriate guidance on next steps.
Patch testing at Apex Skin Clinic
Patch testing is delivered as a consultant-led service by Dr Benjamin Chun-Man Lee and Dr Sara Sherif. Adult patch testing takes place at Berkshire Grove Hospital in Maidenhead, while paediatric patch testing is available at Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations. Appointments are held in calm, private clinical environments, with a clear focus on diagnosis, explanation of results and long-term skin health.
Patients attend from across Berkshire and London, including Maidenhead, as well as from Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire.
Pricing
Consultation and Patch Testing (TRUE TEST® 36)
£599
This includes consultant assessment, application of the patch tests, scheduled readings and interpretation of results. If further review or additional testing is required, this will be discussed with you clearly and transparently.
Looking for a Patch Test Near You?
If you are searching online for a private patch testing near me, Apex Skin Clinic provides a professional and consultant-led service trusted by patients across Berkshire and beyond.
Our clinic offers adult advanced patch testing based within Berkshire Grove Hospital and paediatric patch testing at Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations, a convenient alternative for those searching for patch testing in London who prefer a quieter, specialist environment without the long waiting times.
Whether you live locally or are visiting from nearby areas such as Reading, Windsor, Bracknell, Maidenhead, or London, our experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons are here to help you protect your skin.
Find us at: Berkshire Grove Hospital, Grove House, Waltham Rd, White Waltham, Maidenhead SL6 3TN
Find us at: Heatherwood Hospital, Brook Ave, Ascot SL5 7GB
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No. The test area must remain dry while the patches are in place. You will be given clear instructions during your appointment.
-
Patch testing usually takes place over 4–5 days, including application and follow-up reviews.
-
No referral is required. You can self-refer directly to Apex Skin Clinic
-
Patch testing for children is offered at Apex Skin Clinic’s Heatherwood locations. Adult patch testing is carried out at Berkshire Grove Hospital.
-
Yes. Adult patch testing is available at Apex Skin Clinic within Berkshire Grove Hospital in Maidenhead. Patients regularly travel to us from London, Berkshire and surrounding counties for consultant-led care.
-
Patch testing is not painful. Some mild itching or redness may occur if a reaction develops.
What to do next
If you would like to find out whether patch testing is right for you or wish to book an appointment, our team will be happy to help.
Fill out this form or call us on 020 3871 5898