Allergy Skin Testing
During allergy season, in the event you are sneezing or sniffling, one of the best things that you can do is to get yourself tested for allergies. And while most people think allergies are mostly just some sneezing and sniffling, the fact of the matter is that for most patients, allergies can lead to quite a few more, unwanted symptoms – really dampening their quality of life. When patients are in need of allergy testing Queens specialist Dr. Dwayne Rollins, and his team, at his practice, recommend patients undergo allergy skin tests. Also, sometimes known as scratch testing, allergy skin testing are one of the most effective methods to gauge your allergy issues. During allergy skin tests, your skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction.Along with your medical history, allergy tests may be able to confirm whether a particular substance you touch, breathe or eat is causing symptoms.
Why is Allergy Testing Done?
The fact is that according to the team at the office of Dr. Dwayne Rollins, where they are known to offer the best allergy testing Queens has around, the information your doctor is able to glean from an allergy test can help him or her, to develop a large scale, allergy treatment plan. These allergy treatment plans can include quite a bit of different methods – including allergen avoidance, medications as well as allergy shots, themselves – otherwise known as immunotherapy. However, in addition, allergy skin tests are widely used to help diagnose allergic conditions, including things like:
· Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis
· Allergic Asthma
· Dermatitis or Eczema
· Penicillin Allergies (or other medications)
· Bee Stings
· Food & Drink Allergies
The important thing to understand is that for the most part, skin tests are generally safe for both adults, as well as children – even infants and toddlers. However, depending upon certain issues or the presence of certain health factors, then skin tests might be right for you and your doctor may advise against skin testing. Some of the most common reasons against allergic reactions including things like the following.
· Severe Allergy Issues: While these types of issues are fairly rare, you may be so sensitive to certain substances that even the tiny amounts used in skin tests could trigger a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis).
· Bad Drug Interactions: In certain cases, when it comes to allergy testing Queens doctor Dwayne Rollins may advise against testing if you are taking certain medications like antihistamines, many antidepressants and some heartburn medications. Your doctor may determine that it’s better for you to continue taking these medications than to temporarily discontinue them in preparation for a skin test.
· Skin Conditions: If severe eczema or psoriasis affects large areas of skin on your arms and back – the usual testing sites – there may not be enough clear, uninvolved skin to do an effective test. Other skin conditions, such as dermatographism, can cause unreliable test results.
For those individuals who are advised against skin testing for allergies, you might want to undergo blood tests. While they are effective, skin testing might be better for the majority of allergy types. For more information on allergy issues or to schedule an appointment today, be sure to contact Dr. Rollins today.
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