Allergy Skin Test

In an allergy skin test, one’s skin is exposed to various supposed allergy-causing materials (known as allergens) and then examined for symptoms of any allergic reaction.

Allergy tests, along with your medical history, could be used to verify if a specific substance, when touched, breathed or eaten, causes allergic reactions.

Why it’s done

Results from an allergy test can help a pediatric surgeon in Kolkata to chart out an allergy treatment plan which includes medications, allergy shots and allergen avoidance. These skin tests are generally used to help identify various allergic conditions, such as:

• Hay fever
• Latex allergy
• Allergic asthma
• Eczema
• Penicillin allergy
• Food allergies
• Bee venom allergy

Allergy tests are usually safe for both children and adults, including toddlers. In certain conditions, however, skin tests are not recommended by pediatric surgeons in Kolkata. You may be advised against this testing if:

• You’ve ever suffered from a serious allergic reaction.
• You have taken medicines that may interfere with the test results.
• You have some specific skin conditions

In general, allergy tests are the most used by pediatric surgeons in Kolkata when diagnosing allergies to certain airborne matters like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc. Apart from these, skin testing can also help to diagnose allergies caused from eating certain food.

Risks:

One of the most common side effects of this allergy testing is slightly inflamed, itchy, red bumps. These bumps may be very noticeable in the course of the test. In some cases, however, a patch of redness, swelling, and itching may be found a few hours following the allergy test which could persist for more than a couple of days.