What is an Allergy Skin Test?

Allergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens. With a skin test, your technician will place a small amount of one substance, or several different substances just under the surface of the skin on your arm or back. You’ll feel a little prick when the substances are placed under your skin. After 15 minutes or so, the doctor will look for signs that you’re having a reaction. Usually your skin will get red or swollen if you’re allergic to something in the test.

Is an Allergy skin test painful?

Allergy skin tests aren’t painful. This type of testing uses needles, called lancets, that barely penetrate the skin’s surface. You won’t bleed or feel more than mild, momentary discomfort.

How long does an Allergy skin test take?

Once the applicators are placed, you’ll have a 15 minute waiting period. The technician will then measure any wheal or flare up you may have. Once this is completed the provider will review and discuss results that same day.

What are the side effects of allergy testing?

If you have an allergic reaction, you’ll develop a reaction at the site of the scratch or prick. Mild allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, watery eyes and congestion are common. Most symptoms clear up in one to two hours after the test, but the redness or bumps may remain for several hours.

What Abnormal Results Mean?

A positive result means you reacted to a substance. Your technician will record any red, raised area called a wheal. Often, a positive result means the symptoms you’re having are due to exposure to that substance. A stronger response means you are likely more sensitive to the substance. People can have a positive response to a substance with allergy skin testing, but not have any problems with that substance in everyday life. Your provider will consider your symptoms and the results of your skin test to suggest lifestyle changes you can make to avoid substances or recommend Immunotherapy (Allergy Injections).

Important Reminders for Test Day

1. No Allergy Medications 48 Hours Prior to Test Day: It is essential that you refrain from taking any allergy medications for at least 48 hours before your scheduled test. This includes over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications. Avoiding these medications will help ensure accurate readings during your test.

2. Discontinue Beta Blockers 7 Days Prior to Test Day: If you are currently taking beta blockers, it is crucial to discontinue them at least 7 days before your test. Beta blockers can affect the outcome of the test, and stopping them in advance will allow for more accurate results. However, please consult your physician before discontinuing any medications.

3. Confirmation with Your Physician: Before making any changes to your medication regimen, including stopping allergy medications or beta blockers, it is essential to consult with your physician. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance tailored to your specific medical needs and ensure your safety throughout the testing process.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens and often leads to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. This makes it a cost-effective, beneficial treatment approach for many people.

Who Can Benefit From Allergy Shots?

Both children and adults can receive allergy shots, although it is not typically recommended for children under age five. This is because of the difficulties younger children may have in cooperating with the program and in articulating any adverse symptoms they may be experiencing. When considering allergy shots for an older adult, medical conditions such as cardiac disease should be taken into consideration and discussed with Physician.

You and your allergist / immunologist should base your decision regarding allergy shots on:

• Length of allergy season and severity of your symptoms

• How well medications and/or environmental controls are helping your allergy symptoms

• Your desire to avoid long-term medication use

• Time available for treatment (allergy shots requires a significant commitment)

• Cost, which may vary depending on region and insurance coverage

Allergy shots are not used to treat food allergies. The best option for people with food allergies is to strictly avoid that food.

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots work like a vaccine. Your body responds to injected amounts of a particular allergen, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen.

There are two phases:

• Build-up phase. This involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens weekly. The length of this phase depends upon how often the injections are received, but generally ranges from 6 to 11 weeks.

• Maintenance phase. This begins once the effective dose is reached. The effective maintenance dose depends on your level of allergen sensitivity and your response to the build-up phase. During the maintenance phase, there will be longer periods of time between treatments, ranging from two to four weeks. Your allergist / immunologist will decide what range is best for you.

If allergy shots are successful, maintenance treatment is generally continued for three to five years. Any decision to stop allergy shots should be discussed with your allergist / immunologist.

How Effective Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots have shown to decrease symptoms of many allergies. It can prevent the development of new allergies, and in children it can prevent the progression of allergic disease from allergic rhinitis to asthma. The effectiveness of allergy shots appears to be related to the length of the treatment program as well as the dose of the allergen. Some people experience lasting relief from allergy symptoms, while others may relapse after discontinuing allergy shots. Failure to respond to allergy shots may be due to several factors:

• Inadequate dose of allergen in the allergy vaccine

• Missing allergens not identified during the allergy evaluation

• High levels of allergen in the environment

• Significant exposure to non-allergic triggers, such as tobacco smoke

Where Should Allergy Shots Be Given?

This type of treatment should be supervised by a specialized physician in a facility equipped with proper staff and equipment to identify and treat adverse reactions to allergy injections. Ideally, immunotherapy should be given in your allergist / immunologist’s office.

Are There Risks?

A typical reaction is redness and swelling at the injection site. This can happen immediately or several hours after the treatment. In some instances, symptoms can include increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. Serious reactions to allergy shots are rare. When they do occur, they require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or tightness in the chest, nausea and dizziness. Most serious reactions develop within 20 minutes of the allergy injections. This is why it is recommended you wait in your doctor’s office for at least 20 minutes after you receive allergy shots.