Allergies can be a huge disruption in your life. Sadly, some people don’t know what they’re allergic to or don’t have proper treatments for their allergies. Bethany Medical Clinic offers a comprehensive array of allergy testing and treatment options so you can learn how to live with your allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a skin test is conducted. A small amount of a substance is placed on the skin. Usually, it’s done on the forearm, back or upper arm. Then the skin is pricked, so the substance goes under the skin. The practitioner then monitors the area to look for swelling, redness or any other signs of a reaction. Typically, the reaction occurs within 15 to 20 minutes. In many cases, the patient will be tested for multiple allergies during the same session.
The patch test consists of the patient wearing a patch of an allergen for 48 hours, and then the physician examines the area in 72 to 92 hours.
Sometimes, the patient may be given an intradermal test, which consists of the healthcare provider injecting a small amount of an allergen into the skin. It’s usually used to test to determine if a patient is allergic to penicillin or bee venom. In some instances, it’s used after a negative skin test if the physician still believes the patient has an allergy.
The patient may experience a tiny amount of pain when the needle punctures the skin. The patient may feel itching. It’s possible for the patient to experience stuffy nose or red, watery eyes.
It’s possible for the patient to have a serious reaction during the allergy test. Although it’s rare, anaphylaxis is possible with the intradermal test. Anaphylaxis is an entire body reaction that’s potentially life threatening.
Hay fever, food allergies, skin irritants, venom, and penicillin are able to be tested for by a provider at Bethany Medical Center. Those with hay fever, asthma or dermatitis may benefit from this type of testing.