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ALLERGY SKIN TESTING

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Discovering Your Allergies
Welcome to Your Skin Testing Journey!

An allergy skin test procedure is a diagnostic process that aims to identify substances, known as allergens, that trigger allergic reactions in your body. These reactions can manifest as a wide range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, congestion, skin rashes, digestive issues, and even life-threatening reactions in severe cases.


The importance of an airborne allergy test lies in its ability to pinpoint the exact allergens that cause your immune system to react adversely. By identifying the specific triggers, healthcare professionals can develop personalized treatment plans and recommend appropriate avoidance strategies. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your environment, lifestyle, and potential treatment options, ultimately leading to better management of your allergies and improved quality of life. You're on the right page if you search online for "skin allergy doctor near me." We offer accurate allergy testing to provide the proper treatment plans for your allergies. 


Please let the physician and the medical staff know:


  • If you are pregnant
  • If you have a fever or are wheezing
  • ALL medications you are taking (bring a list)


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skin allergen test

STAY INFORMED: YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORTY
The Risk of Getting Allergy Testing Outside the Allergist's Office

Recently, there has been a surge of allergy testing facilities popping up around the country. These places can test you for allergies, but they may not be the best for getting a specific and comprehensive treatment plan.

At AAAC, we can perform allergy testing in conjunction with a physical examination to rule out any other conditions.
We have the experience to diagnose all allergy conditions and help you form a treatment plan that meets your needs.

  • What is Skin Prick Testing?

    Skin prick testing is the most common form of allergy testing because it works quickly and gives the allergist a good understanding of the type of reaction you have. It can show the presence of an allergy as well as the severity of that allergy.


    Testing is normally administered on the back, but it can be moved based on the patient’s preference or age. It’s not considered a painful test and is compared to a fingernail scratch.


    During the test, several allergens will be administered to the skin in marked locations. The allergist will also use a control prick to compare the severity of the reactions. Each allergen introduced to your skin will react differently, giving the allergist a clear picture.


    The test is highly accurate and will allow the allergist to give you a good diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • What is Intradermal Skin Testing?

    Another form of skin prick testing, intradermal testing is used for certain allergens that won’t show a reaction on the skin’s surface. Instead, a small amount of the allergen being tested is injected just below the skin on the upper arms. You may feel a short period of mild discomfort.


    The test is just as safe as skin prick testing and is done with close monitoring to ensure comfort. 

  • What are common allergy treatments?

    For the best allergy treatment plan, you need to consider if the treatment plan meets all of your needs. Some common allergy treatments that we often include in our patient’s treatment plans include:


    Allergy Medication


    Over-the-counter medications are helpful and can help ease symptoms, but they won’t provide long-term relief.


    Allergy Immunotherapy


    Allergy immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can help you get long-term relief from your painful allergy symptoms. During immunotherapy, your body is slowly introduced to your allergen to retrain your immune system.

 Allergy Skin Testing: Essential Pre-Appointment Information

If you suffer from allergies and are seeking an accurate diagnosis, the allergy test procedure can be a valuable tool in determining your specific allergens. Before this procedure, it is crucial to be well-informed and prepared to make the most of your appointment. You will be skin tested for significant Tampa Bay airborne allergens and possibly some foods. 


By understanding the procedure, knowing what to expect, and asking relevant questions, you can ensure a productive and successful allergy testing experience, leading to effective treatment and improved quality of life.


  • Your physician schedules a separate appointment for further recommendations. There is no testing during the new patient consultation. 
  • We request that you do not bring small children with you when you are scheduled for skin testing unless they are accompanied by another adult who can sit with them in the reception area. 
  • You must be on time for this appointment.
  • Please keep your appointment since your doctor prepares unique allergens for your session.
  • If, for any reason, you must change your skin test appointment, please give us at least 72 hours' notice. A last-minute change results in losing valuable time that another patient could have utilized.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST AVOID ORAL ANTIHISTAMINE FOR 5 DAYS BEFORE THE SKIN TEST.
After your skin test, you may return to work or school without restrictions. You may exercise, swim, or play as usual.

Did You Know?
There is no minimum age for skin testing.

Anyone 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire procedure and visit with the physician.

allergy skin test

Allergy Testing FAQs

  • What to expect at the allergist’s office?

    Skin testing is a method to test for allergic antibodies. A test consists of introducing a small amount of the suspected substance or allergen, using a skin allergy testing tool into the skin, and recording the response 20 minutes after application. 


    A positive reaction consists of a wheal (swelling) and flare (surrounding area of redness). Interpreting the clinical significance of the skin test requires correlating the test results with the patient's clinical history.

  • How long do allergy testing methods take?

    The skin testing appointment takes approximately 2–2 ½ hours.

  • How is the allergy skin test performed?

    Your doctor performs a prick-puncture test on your back and an intradermal test on your upper arms. If you have a specific allergic sensitivity to an allergen, a red, raised, itchy hive (caused by histamine release) appears on your skin within 15–20 minutes. 


    These reactions, which will itch, will gradually disappear over 30–60 minutes, and typically, no treatment is necessary. Occasionally, local swelling at the test site will begin 4 to 8 hours after the skin tests, particularly in the areas of the intradermal tests. These reactions are not severe and will gradually disappear over the next week.

  • What are the side effects of allergy skin tests?

    A Physician is present during skin testing since occasional reactions may require therapy. These reactions may consist of any of the following symptoms: itchy eyes, nose, or throat; nasal congestion; runny nose; tightness in the throat or chest; increased wheezing; lightheadedness; faintness; nausea and vomiting; hives; generalized itching; and shock, the latter under extreme circumstances. 


    A severe reaction to skin testing has never occurred in this office. However, if one occurs, the staff is trained to treat you.

  • The skin test methods used are:

    The Prick-Puncture Method: The skin is prick-punctured with a plastic applicator coated with an allergen.


    Intradermal Method: This method consists of injecting small amounts of an allergen into the superficial layers of the skin.

  • Multi-Test Method (optional)

    Doctors arrange allergen solutions on individual prongs of a multi-pronged plastic device, which is placed firmly on the back for 5 to 10 seconds and then removed.

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