Allergy Skin Test
Allergy Skin Test; purpose, types, precautions, and results interpretation
During allergy skin tests, your skin is exposed to the suspected allergen and then checked for signs of an allergic reaction. How is an allergy test performed and what are the precautions for it?
Table of Contents
Allergy Skin Test when combined with your medical history, may be able to confirm whether a specific substance you touch, breathe, or eat is causing your symptoms on the skin or other.
What is an allergy skin test?
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system, your immune system perceives a non-threatening substance, such as dust or pollen, as a threat.
Your immune system reacts to this perceived threat, causing an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause everything from sneezing and a stuffy nose to anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal condition.
skin allergy testing skin is a method to test allergies caused by type 1 hypersensitivity. The test looks for reactions to allergens applied to the skin.
Extracts (a concentrated liquid form) of common allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and foods are used in these tests. If they get into your skin, they may cause a rash. Like a mosquito bite, your skin will become irritated and may itch.
The doctor can tell if you’re allergic to something by your reaction. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces antibodies and releases chemicals to combat the trigger.
Other names
- type 1 hypersensitivity skin test.
- hypersensitivity test.
- allergy scratch test.
- allergy patch test.
- intradermal test.
The purpose of allergy skin test
Certain allergies are diagnosed using an allergy skin test. testing allergy can identify the substances (allergens) that are causing your allergic reaction. Pollen, dust, molds, and medications such as penicillin are examples of these substances. Food allergies are not usually diagnosed using these tests. This is due to the fact that food allergies are more likely to result in anaphylactic shock.
Why do I need a skin allergy test?
If you have allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy testing. These are some examples:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Hives are a type of rash with raised red patches.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Breathing difficulty
- Coughing
- Wheezing
How allergy testing is performed
An allergist or a dermatologist will most likely test you. One or more of the following allergy skin tests may be performed on you:
Scratch test
This test is also known As skin prick testing or puncture. During the examination:
- You will be exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances, in various areas of your skin.
- After that, your provider will lightly scratch or prick your skin through each drop.
- If you are allergic to any allergen, a small red bump will appear at the site or sites within 15 to 20 minutes.
Intradermal skin test
This test may be used if your allergy scratch test was negative but your provider still believes you have an allergy.
During the intradermal skin testing:
- The test consists of introducing small amounts of allergen into the skin with a tiny, thin needle.
- Your provider will monitor the site for feedback.
Patch test
During a patch test for allergies:
- A provider will apply small patches of skin to your body.
- The patches have the appearance of adhesive bandages. They contain trace amounts of allergens.
- After wearing the patches for 48 to 96 hours, you’ll return to your provider’s office.
- Your doctor will remove the patches and examine you for any rashes or other reactions.
How to Prepare for the test
Medicines including antihistamines, corticosteroids, as well as some antidepressants, can have an effect on allergy skin testing results. You may be asked to stop taking these for approximately a week before the test. To ensure accurate test results, make sure to discuss all of your medications with your doctor.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks before the patch test. You may be asked to clip body hair a few days before the test, depending on the location.
Risks of the test
Allergic skin tests pose very little risk. The examination is not painful. Red, itchy skin at test sites is the most common side effect.
An allergy skin test can cause anaphylactic shock in extremely rare cases. This is why skin tests must be performed in a provider’s office equipped with emergency equipment.
Also If you’ve had a patch test and experience severe itching or pain under the patches after returning home, remove them and contact your provider.
Allergy skin test results
You’ll know the results of a skin prick test or an intradermal test before you leave your doctor’s office. The results of a patch test may take several days or more.
A positive skin test indicates that you are allergic to a specific substance. This will be obvious if you develop red bumps or swelling at any of the testing sites. The more severe the reaction, the more likely you are to be allergic.
A negative skin testing indicates that you are not allergic to a specific allergen.
If you are identified with an allergy, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. The strategy could include:
- Avoiding the allergen whenever possible.
- Medicines Lifestyle changes such as reducing dust in your home.
- If you are at risk of anaphylactic shock, you should keep an emergency epinephrine treatment on hand at all times.
Are the test results correct?
Skin tests are the most common and dependable type of allergy testing. However, no test is ideal, and false negative and false positive test results do occur from time to time.
False negative test results occur when the test results are negative despite the fact that the patient is allergic.
False positive test results occur when a positive test result is obtained despite the fact that the patient does not have an allergy. These outcomes are possible because large amounts of an allergen can cause a reaction in people who do not have allergies.
Medications, UV exposure, and contact with the testing area can all have an impact on the validity of the test results, so make sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions before and during testing.
Related tests
- Allergy Blood Testing.
- Food Allergy Testing.
- Total IgE.
- Histamine.
- Tryptase.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC).
An allergist can perform allergy testing to determine which allergens are causing your allergy symptoms.
If you have a skin condition or another disorder that prevents you from having an allergy skin test, your provider may instead recommend an allergy blood test, which is a method to test for allergic antibodies.