How Do Allergy Skin Tests Work?

Millions of people deal with sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes every year. If you’re among them, finding the cause of your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better. A skin test for allergies from Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan can pinpoint what’s triggering your reactions. We help patients in Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and Livonia, MI, find lasting relief from their allergies. Rely on our board-certified specialists to perform advanced skin allergy testing to diagnose and manage your specific triggers.

An allergy skin test is a simple medical exam to determine if your body has an allergic reaction to a specific substance. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, mold, and certain foods. During the test, our specialists will expose your skin to tiny amounts of these allergens. Then, they’ll watch your skin for signs of a reaction, like a small red bump. This helps them identify what’s causing your symptoms.

Our team of board-certified providers use several methods to check for allergies. Our team will choose the safest and most effective test based on your symptoms and medical history. Options include:

• Scratch Test – A doctor or nurse will place a small drop of the allergen on your skin. Then, they’ll lightly scratch or prick the surface so that the liquid can enter your skin. This is the most common and fastest test.
• Intradermal Test – The doctor will inject a tiny amount of the allergen just under the surface of your skin. This is often used if a scratch test is negative but our specialists still suspect you’re allergic to an insect sting or specific medicine.
• Patch Test – Our specialists will place a patch containing a chemical allergen directly on your skin for 48 hours. This can identify delayed skin reactions, such as eczema triggered by contact with a specific chemical

Our providers might suggest an allergy skin test if you have asthma or persistent allergy symptoms. Common reasons to get a test include:

• Runny nose, congestion, or sneezing all year long
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Skin rashes, eczema, or chronic hives
• Stomach problems, anaphylaxis or swelling after eating certain foods
• Severe allergic reactions to insect stings

The first step in an allergy skin test procedure is for a nurse to clean the test area on your arm or back with alcohol. They’ll then use a pen to make small marks on your skin to track each allergen. Finally, they’ll apply the allergens using the scratch or intradermal method.

The test itself takes 15 to 20 minutes to process. If you’re allergic to a substance, a small, raised bump will appear on your skin where that allergen was placed. This bump looks and feels like a mosquito bite. Our specialists will measure the bump’s size to determine how sensitive your immune system is to that trigger.

Preparing for your skin allergy test is simple. The most important step is to stop taking allergy medicines before your appointment. Antihistamines block allergic reactions from happening. If you take them, the test might not show accurate results. Our specialists will tell you which medicines to avoid and for how long, but you usually need to stop taking them five to seven days before your test. Always bring a complete list of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter supplements to your appointment.

After the test is done, our specialists will explain the findings. Learning how to read allergy skin test results is straightforward. A red, itchy bump means you’re likely allergic to that specific item. No bump means you’re probably not allergic to it. We will use this information to build a clear picture of your immune system.

The itchy bumps usually subside within a few hours. Your nurse might apply a mild cream to soothe your skin before you leave the office, helping you stay comfortable.

Finding the root cause of your allergy symptoms can improve your quality of life. Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan provides expert care and precise testing at our clinics in Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and Livonia. Contact us today to schedule an allergy skin testing appointment.