Allergen Testing Specialist | Skin Prick Test

What is allergy?

Allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to an antigen, a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially a particular food, pollen, fur, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.

What are the symptoms of allergy?

• Nasal symptoms, running nose, blocked nose, sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, wheezing, cough.
• Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, hypotension.
• Anaphylactic reaction rashes, itching, urticaria.

Allergies sometimes can be life-threatening.

• Allergies are common in children.
• People with asthma and skin diseases have more chances of having allergic reactions.
• People with allergic reactions have more chances of developing asthma.

What are the common substances causing allergy?

• Substances causing allergies are known as allergens.
• There are four common allergens: Pollen, dust, fungi, and animals.

Testing For Allergy

• Allergy Blood test: Blood tests measure the amount of IgE antibody circulating in the blood. In general, these tests are not specific to a particular allergen and are therefore not easy to interpret; both false positive and false negative results are possible, and the presence of IgE in a test does not necessarily mean that the substance is actually causing the patient’s symptoms.
• Allergy skin prick test: Carried out by the pulmonologist or an allergy specialist in Borivali. Skin Prick Test is a simple, safe, and quick test, providing results within 15-20 minutes. The skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of allergen into the skin, eliciting a small, localized allergic response, in the form of a wheel (bump) and flare (redness) at the site of testing.

Allergy skin prick test

Which patients are suitable candidates for Skin prick allergy testing?

• Patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies and rashes, itching, urticaria, and stomach upset.
• Children up to 5 years of age depending on how cooperative they are.

Pre-requisite for the patients before the skin prick test:

• Jewellery and watches should be removed.
• Males are advised to shave their forearms.
• Patients have to stop antihistamines, anti-depressants, and corticosteroids 3 days before the test.
• Topical medications can be used.
  Preferably patients should stop beta blockers.

Areas where the test is to be performed

• Forearms
• Upper and lower back

Procedure

• Preferably the test is done on the forearms.
• The area is cleaned with spirit, and circles and grids are to be marked according to the list of allergens.
  Allergens are arranged according to the list.
• A small droplet of the liquid is placed on the skin.
• The Lancet is used to prick through the droplet at an angle of 45 degrees and the skin is gently lifted.
• Blood is not drawn while pricking.
  Lancet is wiped with a sterile cotton after each prick.
• Interpretation should be done after 15-20 minutes.

Interpretation of Skin Prick allergy test:

• 2 reactions are seen, wheal and flare which indicate that the test is positive for the allergen.
• Interpretation is done according to wheal size in mm.

Here are some tips to manage allergies at home:

• Encase bedding in allergy-proof covers: Mattress, box spring, and pillows.
• Avoid certain materials: Feather pillows, down comforters, and wool blankets.
• Regularly wash bedding.
• Use hot water for washing.
• Reduce dust collectors: Remove stuffed animals, wall hangings, knickknacks, and books from the bedroom.
• Opt for minimal carpeting.
• Wear a filter mask while cleaning.
• Manage pet allergens: Minimize exposure by using shades instead of blinds and maintaining cleanliness.
• Prevent mold growth.

Dr. Parthiv Shah, the best pulmonologist in Mumbai, is here to help you for knowing the root cause of you allergies. Book your appointment today at Sparsh Superspeciality Lung Clinic and take the first step towards better lung health by calling +91 90297 72904.