When you consult with your doctor about your skin problem he may utliize certain procedures to evaluate your symptoms. These procedures may involve a physical examination and for some cases diagnostic exams and tests. The doctor will always need to physically evaluate you while a diagnostic test will be done if your condition warrants one. When assessing your skin your doctor may note any presence of other types of skin problems such as plaques, blisters, vesicles, crusting, pustules or cracking and see the areas of your body where your skin is affected.
Some of the tests that may be done if you have dry skin may include:
Shave skin or punch biopsy – Used to ascertain the cause of dry skin
Blood tests – This may include blood sugar and full blood count
Thyroid function test
Electrolytes
Renal function
HIV serology
Immunoglobin test – High levels of Immunoglobulin levels plus presence of certain autoantibodies may indicate Sjogren’s syndrome diagnosis
Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) – This can aid in knowing the allergens that worsen allergens in eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Skin patch testing – Done for indentifying allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis.
Dale Roach is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Dale Roach, MD,L.Ac in Larchmont, NY.
Skin scraping – The skin sample taken is microscopically examined for scabies or fungal infection.
Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity.
Jamie Catlett is a board certified and licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Jacksonville Acupuncture Clinic in Jacksoville, FL.