Skin allergy testing is an excellent and precise way to identify the cause of your concerning reactions. At Heights Dermatology in Houston, Rosenberg, Lake Jackson, Portland, Corpus Christi, Palacios, Columbus, Gonzales, Dallas, Mansfield, Beaumont, Bay City, New Braunfels, and San Antonio, Texas, experienced dermatologists provide skin allergy testing for many of the most common allergies. Schedule your appointment over the phone or online at Heights Dermatology today.
What is skin allergy testing?
Skin allergy testing is a service that diagnoses allergies or confirms the allergens causing your symptoms. It works by exposing you to a very small amount of the potential allergens and awaiting a reaction to show up on your skin.
Heights Dermatology offers a few different types of skin testing, which they can recommend if you experience allergic symptoms. It’s rare for these tests to cause a severe reaction because of the small allergen amounts used, but Heights Dermatology performs the test safely and with the proper safety precautions in place.
Depending on the allergy test you get, you may need to stop taking certain medications ahead of time. You must bring in a complete list of medications you take for your consultation at Heights Dermatology.
What are my options for skin allergy testing?
Your provider at Heights Dermatology has a few skin tests that can indicate an allergy. Common allergy skin tests include:
Skin prick tests
Skin prick tests involve puncturing or scratching your skin with a sharp object laced in a potential allergen. Any discomfort from the test is extremely mild because the sharp object doesn’t go very deep into your skin. If you have an allergy to a given substance, your provider can detect a reaction.
Patch tests
Patch tests take a little longer than skin prick tests. Unlike their counterparts, they can detect a delayed allergic reaction days after exposure. You must return to Heights Dermatology so your dermatologist can record your results.
Which allergies does skin allergy testing detect?
Skin allergy testing can detect reactions to many common allergens, even if your primary symptoms aren’t skin-related. Still, exposing your skin to these allergens with a skin prick test can cause a rash.
As soon as your results are available, your dermatologist goes over them with you. Common allergens your skin test may check for include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Various foods
Once you have a diagnosis, your provider offers options for treating or managing your allergy. You can also take steps to avoid the allergen once you identify it.
For more information on skin allergy testing, call Heights Dermatology or book an appointment online today.
