What is Patch Testing?
Patch Testing is a technique used to ensure that performers are not allergic to the makeup products they are planning to use for the production. To many, it may seem like an unnecessary step, but it certainly is not. Contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that results in rashes, itching, sores, hives, and other adverse skin conditions, is extremely common with makeup products. Because many theatrical products contain formulas that new performers will not have encountered before, patch testing is extremely important. Checking to make sure performers are not allergic to products, especially new products, serves two beneficial purposes. First, it prevents performers from experiencing contact dermatitis on their faces, which can cause hives and sores that are both difficult and uncomfortable to attempt to cover. Second, it allows sufficient time for alternative products to be acquired and tested in the event that contact dermatitis does occur.
Since dress rehearsals typically occur only a few days before opening, it is important to connect with performers early and encourage patch testing to be performed in a timely manner. Whether the designer patch tests their products on the performer or the performer tests their own products independently, it is vital to stress the importants of a thorough and well-timed patch test. Special attention should be given to individuals with a prior history of allergiesa and adverse skin reactions.
How to Patch Test
Patch testing is a remarkably simple process. All it requires are the products in question and some patience. Our step-by-step instructions are listed below. You can also find information about contact dermatitis and patch testing cosmetics on Medical News Today.
- Begin by choosing where the patch testing will occur. The best places are along the inner wrist, in the bend of the elbow, or behind the ear. If you are testing multiple products, consider making a list of where each product will be placed on your skin.
- Wash the area of skin you have chosen to use with gentle soap. Rinse and pat dry.
- Apply the makeup product that you are testing. It should be somewhere between the size of a dime and a quarter. Remember to use the same thickness you would use if you were applying the product normally.
- Leave the product on your skin for as long as possible (preferably the length of a full production day). If the product wears off throughout the day, you may optionally reapply more.
- Clean the product off your skin after an extended period. Check to see if contact dermatitis has occurred.
- If contact dermatitis has not occurred, continue to monitor the site for the next 24 hours.
- If there are additional concerns about allergies, consider repeating this patch testing process with the same product(s) for a week or more. Some allergic reactions may take time to appear.
- If contact dermatitis occurs, begin seeking alternative products for this perfomer. Once new products have been found, begin patch testing the new product(s).
How to Handle Allergies During Productions
If you've ever been in a communal dressing room before, you'll know exactly what we're talking about when we say things are a bit chaotic. Due to this, ensuring that actors with allergies are adequately supported can be a bit daunting. However, we have several strategies for reducing the stress on both you and the performer. First, get the performer their own (clearly labeled!) private makeup. Be sure to include products, sponges, brushes, pencils, and any other materials the performer might use. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination with products that may harm the performer.
Additionally, keep in touch with your clients! If a performer has or is prone to having contact dermatitis, keep in touch with them! Let them know you care about their allergic reactions, and you are committed to helping them with any allergy-related problems they may experience throughout the production. If contact dermatitis occurs the week of the production, they need to know that they can count on you.
Similarly, if contact dermatitis does occur before or during the production, consider potential alternative solutions for the performer's makeup look. Are there alternative products available for them to use? Can they use those products over rashy or blistered skin? Perhaps they will need to wear day-to-day makeup applied liberally. Perhaps they will need to go makeupless. While the look of the show is important, the performer's well-being is the number one priority.