"I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude"

I have been dealing with a recurring skin issue that flared up  for the past four years. Despite various consultations, the root cause of this problem remained elusive. Consequently, I was referred to the dermatology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

I had previously undergone multiple consultations, yet the source of my skin problem had proved elusive. In order to identify potential contact reactions, I was subsequently referred to undergo patch testing, which was scheduled to take place over the course of one week, with visits to the department throughout the week. 

On the first day, the kind and professional nurses at the department applied 50 patches to my back. These patches needed to remain undisturbed until the following visit on Wednesday. Their purpose was to assess my skin's reaction to 50 different products or components commonly found in various products.

On the next visit, the nurses removed the patches and marked the corresponding areas on my skin. This was done to monitor any delayed reactions that might manifest in the future.

Finally, on the last day, the nurses, along with the dermatologist, meticulously analysed the results and provided me with patient information leaflets detailing any identified allergies. Some of these results were unexpected, while others confirmed previous assessments.

I had previously tried numerous remedies, including different body creams, avoiding certain cleaning products, and steering clear of items or products I suspected might be triggering the issue. Unfortunately, none of these approaches had proven effective.

Although the process of patch testing might seem demanding due to the need for three visits to the dermatology department in a single week, it is unquestionably worthwhile, as it ensures a comprehensive assessment of potential contact allergies.

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Cornwall Hospital and the Dermatology department for conducting this essential test.