Allergy testing is an important stage in determining if you or your child are allergic to a specific substance. Without the precise information derived from professional testing, a treatment could target the wrong allergen and put a patient at risk. Thankfully, patients in Atlanta can get reliable results in as little as 15 minutes with skin prick allergy testing. But what are the main allergies a skin prick test can diagnose?
The Main Allergies Diagnosed With Skin Prick Allergy Testing
Food Allergies
Food allergies are increasingly common among children, and they can have a negative impact on quality of life for people of all ages. Skin prick allergy testing will determine the exact cause of an allergy, enabling development of a targeted treatment plan. People often suffer from allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish and shellfish. But allergies can be complex, meaning that many individuals have experienced bad reactions after eating different types of food, not just one “problem food.”
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
The spring and summer months can be a difficult time for allergy sufferers. Pollen from trees and grass are dispersed over wide areas, causing itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and other symptoms. Allergy testing can confirm that the issue is caused by pollen or grasses, or it can potentially reveal the allergen that is truly at fault.
Insect Stings
Insect stings or bites cause skin hives and itchiness, with the possibility of anaphylaxis in severe cases. As the symptoms are usually found on the skin, some people will assume that they are dealing with contact dermatitis rather than an allergic reaction. Your allergist can explain the difference between a skin prick and skin patch allergy test, and offer the most appropriate testing option.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny bugs found in pillows, beds, mattresses, carpets and various areas of the home. A dust mite allergy shares many symptoms with hay fever, including sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, airborne allergies of this kind are not always easy to diagnose, but a skin prick allergy test will provide accurate results.
Pet Dander
Skin cells shed by your pet can lead to allergic reactions similar to those caused by other airborne allergens. For instance, asthma sufferers might find that their condition worsens after being near an animal.
What Does Skin Prick Allergy Testing Near Me Involve?
Skin prick testing is a quick and straightforward procedure performed at your allergist’s office. Drops of suspected allergens are placed on the forearm, and the skin underneath is gently punctured. After approximately 15 minutes the skin is checked for signs of a red bump – this indicates that you are allergic to a specific substance. This test has the ability to check for as many as 50 substances at once, giving the allergist an excellent picture of a patient’s sensitivities.
Are At-Home Skin Allergy Tests Effective?
At-home skin allergy tests are marketed heavily online, and many people are tempted by the convenience. However, a skin allergy test that delivers false positives will only add confusion following an allergic reaction. The quality of home tests varies considerably, and attempting to screen for a large number of allergens will simply increase the chances of misleading results.
And while the home testing kit itself might not pose a threat, the results it offers could cause a person to put themselves at risk. In contrast, a consultation with an allergy doctor ensures quality testing and a professional analysis of the results.
Find Professional Allergy Testing Near Me
If you’ve been searching for allergy testing near me, look no further than the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. With locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek, we provide our patients with an accurate allergy diagnosis and establish the appropriate treatment plans. To get started, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
