|
|
| Allergies Home » Diagnosis of Allergies » Skin Tests |
|
Skin Tests |
|
Skin tests for determining allergies are safe and simple procedures to identify the sources of your allergies. Allergy skin testing can yield useful information on the allergens on which your skin is sensitive. Skin tests are conducted by doctors for more than a century now. The skin tests determine the allergens which causes allergy to your skin and the allergens are then observed for signs of an allergic reaction.
The skin tests on determining allergies examine your medical history and confirm whether signs and symptoms, like sneezing, breathlessness and skin rashes, are caused by allergies.The skin tests also identify the specific substances that cause allergic reactions to your body. The information helps your doctor to develop an allergy treatment plan like allergen avoidance, medications or allergy shots called immunotherapy. Skin testing is widely conducted to identify the conditions that lead to allergies such as fever, asthma and dermatitis or eczema.
Sometimes, skin tests aren't suggested. If you take medications like antihistamines, antidepressants that interfere with test results doctors don’t conduct a skin test. For severe skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis that affect your arms and back largely which are the usual testing sites then the tests won’t be effective. The skin tests are very safe and cause little if any discomfort.
Your medical history and physical examinations are conducted before the skin tests are done which provides enough information to the doctor to discuss your diagnosis and treatment. Only if the doctor is convinced he will go for a skin test. The doctor gives list of medication before conducting the skin tests because some of the medicines suppress the reactions; some interferes with the tests while others have more risks of developing allergies during the test. Some of the
There are various methods of skin tests. The skin tests are usually done in the doctor’s office. There are three types of skin tests for determining allergies.
The prick or puncture method is the most common type of skin test. In the test tiny drops of the purified allergens are injected or just rubbed on the skin. If a hive come up within 15 minutes on the surface of the skin determines that the individual is allergic to the particular allergen. The test determines allergies from pollens, molds, dust, foods, insect venom and penicillin.
In the Intradermal test purified allergen extracts are injected into the skin of your arm to determine allergies from insect venom or penicillin.The Patch Test identifies allergens that cause contact dermatitis like fragrances, latex, hair dyes, preservatives and metals. An allergen is applied to a patch, which is then tied on your skin for 48 hours with a bandage.
|
If a person is allergic to the allergen the skin become red and peels off. The accuracy of skin tests varies. An individual may react differently to the same test performed at different times. The skin tests are most reliable for diagnosing allergies caused by airborne substances, such as pollen, and dust.
Sometimes skin test has side effects. Skin tests sometimes causes itching and redness. Redness and itching usually subsides within a few hours or until the next day. A mild cream can be applied to relieve the itching and redness. Skin tests can produce a severe or immediate allergic reaction. So it's important to have skin tests performed at an office where appropriate emergency equipment and medications are available. You might develop allergic reaction after one day of the skin test then you must the doctor right away.
For more information on Skin Tests visit www.allergieshub.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
