What is skin testing?
Dr. Ispas performs skin testing in the office to identify the substances responsible for your allergies. She begins by carefully evaluating your medical history and determining the most likely allergens triggering your allergic reaction.
Once the suspected allergy-causing substances are determined, Dr. Ispas places a small amount of each allergen on your skin. If you’re allergic, a minor skin reaction occurs in response to the substance.
What types of allergies are identified with skin testing?
Allergy skin testing can be used to diagnose many types of allergies, such as:
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Allergic asthma
- Insect sting allergies
- Food allergies
- Penicillin allergies
- Latex allergies
When performed by a highly experienced allergy specialist like Dr. Ispas, skin tests are safe for most children and adults. However, you may not be a good candidate for a skin test if you take certain medications or you have a skin condition that affects the testing site.
What happens during a skin test for allergies?
Dr. Ispas performs two types of skin tests:
Skin prick test
In this test, a small prick on the surface of your skin is used to introduce a tiny amount of the suspected allergens into your body. If you’re allergic to any of the substances, you’ll develop a reaction similar to a mosquito bite at the spot where the allergen was placed. You’ll stay in the office while waiting for results because allergic reactions occur within 20 minutes.
Patch test
A skin patch test is preferred when testing for allergic contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when you develop an allergic reaction to substances that have direct contact with your skin.
During a patch test, your suspected allergens are placed in separate spaces on a patch that’s large enough to hold 20 or 30 allergens. If you’re allergic to any of the substances on the patch, a small skin reaction develops where the allergen touches your skin.
Dr. Ispas applies the patch to the skin on your back, and then you wear the patch for several days. After about 48 hours, you’ll return to the office so she can remove the patch and evaluate any skin reactions. Dr. Ispas may replace the patch and have you wear it a few more days because it may take longer for a reaction to appear.
Skin testing is a safe and effective way to identify your allergens, which must be done in order to develop a customized treatment plan. To learn more about skin testing, call Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute or book an appointment online.
