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Allergies can manifest themselves in many different ways. Food allergies can cause you mild symptoms, like a rash or an itchy throat, or they can be as severe as causing difficult breathing. Pollen, mold, animals, and insects can cause similar reactions. However, with so many different triggers around you, it can be difficult to know what is causing your allergies. To help you better understand and avoid your allergens, your allergy doctor in West Virginia can perform different types of allergy tests on your skin. Scratch Testing This type of allergy testing involves your doctor or licensed nurse applying small pricks or scratches on your body and exposing them to different allergens. First, they will choose a clean spot on your body. Usually this is your forearm or back. Then, they will sanitize it with alcohol. Then, they will mark different spots on the skin with a pen in order to distinguish the different allergens from each other. Next, they will place drops of each potential allergen on to their designated areas. After that, they will prick the skin to allow the allergen to seep in. After about 10 minutes, the doctor will re-examine the area. Depending on how your skin has reacted, they will be able to determine which allergens cause your system the most stress. Intradermal Test Instead of applying the allergen to the surface of the skin, as is done in scratch testing, this type of allergy test is done underneath the skin. Determining that your skin is free and clear from any rashes, your doctor will choose an area of your body to perform the test. Then, a small amount of the designated allergen will be injected just under the surface of your skin. Patch Test If you are opposed to scratch or intradermal testing, there are other options. The patch test is much less invasive, though it takes quite a bit more time to get results. In this test, your doctor will put a specific allergen onto a patch. Then, it will be applied to your back or arm. Unlike the other tests, results won’t be read that day. Instead, you’ll need to wear the patch for 48 hours in order to ensure that you don’t have a delayed reaction to the allergen. Usually, only one allergen at a time can be tested using this method. No matter which one of these tests you and your doctor decide is right for you, it’s important to follow any instructions that might add to the effectiveness of the tests. For example, if there are specific medications that could interfere with the test, stop taking them when advised by your doctor. This includes any antihistamines that you might be taking. While the test itself might be slightly irritating, it shouldn’t hurt due to the small amount of allergens actually applied to your skin. However, full body reactions, while rare, can occur. If you develop any lightheadedness, fever, trouble swallowing, or breathing, it’s important to let your doctor know as soon as possible. If you still experience itching after the test, a mild cortisone cream could be a good way to calm the itching and discomfort. Be sure to avoid showers, baths, and swimming right after the test if you taking a patch test. Once your test is complete, your doctor will have a better idea of what could be causing your allergies. With the results, you’ll be able to treat your allergies or avoid them if necessary. If you suspect that you have allergies, consider contacting an allergy doctor in West Virginia. By taking an allergy test, you’ll be better aware of your body and how to keep it healthy and happy.
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