Do you have allergies too? Let's learn everything about the Skin Allergy Test!

Do you itch when you eat certain foods or go to places with a lot of dust? Does your skin get red and itchy? Do you constantly sneeze? If these things happen to you often, there is a good chance that you are allergic to something. So, today we are going to talk about a very simple and important test that doctors use to find out exactly what you are allergic to.

What is this skin allergy test?

Simply put, this is a test your doctor does to find out what things they think you might be allergic to. This can help you figure out exactly what you're allergic to and stay away from those things.

This test involves placing a few drops of extracts of common allergens in our environment on your skin. For example, extracts of pollen, dust mites , animal dander, and certain foods are used.

Imagine, if you are really allergic to that thing, as soon as that substance comes into contact with your skin, your body's immune system starts a fight against it. Just like when you get bitten by a mosquito, the area becomes red, slightly swollen, and itchy. It is by looking at that reaction that the doctor decides whether you are allergic or not, and if so, what it is to.

Why do we need to take this test?

If you frequently experience one or more of the symptoms below, your doctor may recommend that you undergo this skin allergy test.

The main advantage of taking this test is that once you know exactly what you are allergic to, you can create a treatment plan that works for you. Also, we can understand what we need to be careful of.

There are several ways to do this test.

Your doctor will choose the test method that is right for you. Although each of these does the same thing, the way the allergen is introduced into the skin is slightly different.

What happens during the test?

There's nothing to worry about, this is a very quick and simple process .

Typically, in a skin prick test, a doctor or nurse will clean the skin on your arm with alcohol and make small marks with a pen. Then, a drop of the suspected allergen is placed on each mark. Next, a very fine instrument is used to scrape the top layer of skin. This doesn't go deep like an injection, and it doesn't draw blood, so it's not very painful.

In addition, two controls are used.

1. Histamine: Everyone has a small reaction when this is applied to the skin. This is to see if your skin reacts normally.

2. Saline: This means salt water . You shouldn't have any reaction to this. This is just to make sure your skin isn't just reacting.

These scrapings will take about 5-10 minutes. Then you have to wait about 15-20 minutes for the results. If it's a patch test, you have to keep the patch on for about two days and then see the doctor again.

How to understand the test results?

After about 20 minutes, the doctor will examine your skin.

• If allergic (Positive Result): The area where the allergen was applied will become red and slightly swollen (wheal), as if it were bitten by a mosquito. The more swollen the area, the more likely you are to be allergic to that substance .
• If you are not allergic (Negative Result): There will be no change in the skin. The area where the saline was applied will remain normal.

How should we prepare before the test?

There are some important things you need to do before the test.

• Stop taking antihistamines: Medications for anxiety and itching (e.g. Piriton, Cetirizine) should be stopped 3 to 7 days before the test, as these medications can interfere with the test results.
• Do not apply anything to your skin: On the day of the test, do not apply any creams or lotions to your hands or back.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Wear clothing that allows the doctor to easily examine your skin.
• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take: Some medications (e.g., some antidepressants, some gastritis medications) can affect this test. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take.

Is there any risk in this?

This test is generally very safe. There is a little itching and discomfort, but not much pain. Even if allergens are used, they are used in very small amounts.

However, very rarely, someone may have a severe reaction. If you experience fever, dizziness , difficulty breathing , swelling of the face or lips, or a rash all over your body , tell your doctor or nurse right away.

What happens after the test?

After the test, the nurse will clean your skin. If there is any itching, the doctor will give you a mild cortisone cream to apply.

Based on the results of this test, your doctor will create a treatment plan that best suits you. This means advising you on what medications to take and what things to avoid. Sometimes, if the results are unclear, they may also order other tests, such as a blood test.

The most important thing is that once you know what you're allergic to, you can protect yourself from them and stay healthy.