Permanent Cosmetic Spot Test Guidelines

Currently, the industry does not require a sensitivity test for possible allergic reactions, however, Derma-International strongly advocates conducting a thorough spot test procedure prior to performing any Permanent Cosmetic procedure with our pigments or any other pigments.
Check with your liability insurance carrier for additional guidelines and the suggested amount of time between spot testing and performing the procedure.

SPOT TESTING SERVES A DUAL PURPOSE: To test for adverse reaction and color outcome.

SKIN/SPOT TEST: Tests for sensitivities may indicate a possible allergic reaction response or adverse reaction to the pigment color. A medical history will help determine possible pigment allergic reactions. This is performed behind the ear or in camouflaging, right on the area to be worked on.

• Inorganics – (Iron Oxides, Chromiums & Ultramarines) normally 2-7 day test.
• Organics – (D&C and FD&C Dyes and Carbon based) this is normally a 30 day test.

Note: It is recommended to perform all spot tests prior to any procedure. Clients feel more assured when a spot test is administered to check for an adverse reaction and color outcome.

REACTION: Usually a reaction is pruritic (intense itching of the skin without eruption) associated with erythema nodosum (abnormal redness of the skin with nodule like characteristics.

NO REACTION: Without itching, abnormal redness or eruption. No reaction to a spot test with organic pigment does not guarantee that the client will not develop a sensitivity months or years later.

HOW TO PERFORM A SPOT TEST

Using a new-sterile triple prong needle, perform a spot test by depositing a series of (4-6) dots of color into the dermal layer of the skin.
If more than one color is being tested, it is advisable to test each color separately.

Back of the ear: The back of the ear is sensitive tissue and any adverse reactions are likely to appear here.

Camouflaging: Perform spot test right on the area to be worked on for good color match.

For questions or comments about performing spot testing, please contact us at:
1-800-654-9369
(T-W-Th) 10:00am – 6:00pm EST