Allergies can disrupt daily life with a spectrum of symptoms, from mild to severe, affecting millions of individuals each year. Understanding and pinpointing the root cause of allergic reactions is crucial for effective management and treatment. This is where allergy testing, particularly skin testing, comes into play.
Skin testing is one of the most common types of allergy testing, designed to identify specific allergens responsible for triggering symptoms in an individual. It's a quick, reliable method often used by allergy specialists to diagnose allergic conditions.
Under the expert care of Dr. Lisa Hutto, patients have access to a comprehensive spectrum of allergy care services, including skin testing. Dr. Hutto, an allergy, asthma, and immunology expert, brings her wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, helping patients alleviate and understand their allergic reactions. Equipped to perform allergic reaction tests, our team guides patients through their allergy management journey with precision and empathy.
For those seeking reliable, expert-led allergy care, including types of allergy testing like skin tests, look no further than Dr. Hutto. We strive to provide personalized care tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment strategies. Schedule your appointment today and take control of your allergies.
Skin testing is a simple and painless procedure that helps identify specific allergens causing symptoms in individuals. To ensure a successful test and accurate results, there are certain guidelines patients should follow [skin testing instructions PDF] before the appointment.
For example, because the test aims to determine which allergens trigger a reaction, it's essential to avoid taking antihistamines or medications that could mask symptoms before testing.
One week before your test, stop taking:
Three days before your test, stop taking:
Some other medications that can affect test results, including heartburn medications like Tagamet, Zantac, and Pepcid.
If you are unsure about a medication you are taking, we strongly advise calling your pharmacist. They can provide detailed information about the ingredients in your medications and can advise you on whether they contain antihistamines that could interfere with the results of your skin allergy test.
Skin testing for adults and older children is done in two stages. The initial stage involves a series of skin pricks on both forearms, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes and is relatively painless. We'll only progress to the second stage if these tests yield negative results.
The second stage involves injecting allergens that didn't elicit a reaction in the first stage into the upper arm. Patients who did experience a reaction during the first phase will not require this stage, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the testing process.
For younger children, skin tests are typically performed on the back using a device called a multi-test. This method is quick and minimally invasive, creating only a slight prick on the skin, and is generally less painful than the finger prick blood tests frequently used in pediatric assessments.
Before any testing, our nurses will carefully explain the procedure to both the child and parent, ensuring it's only carried out with Dr. Hutto's recommendation and after receiving parental consent.
While older children may undergo two rounds of skin tests on different days for a variety of potential allergens, younger children might only be tested for specific allergens, such as dust mites or animal dander, based on their individual needs and symptoms.
Please inform Dr. Hutto and your nurse if you have previously fainted following medical procedures like blood draws, injections, or any other similar experiences. We understand many patients have anxieties related to needles and medical procedures, and we can arrange for you to lie down in a comfortable environment during the testing process.
Our online scheduling tool makes booking an appointment with a specialist like Dr. Hutto simple! Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can give us a call during our office hours. We look forward to helping you find relief from your allergies!