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Allergy testing involves having a skin test to determine what substance may be triggering an allergic response in a person. Based on the test results, you will be given a plan of care that may include medication, immunotherapy, education and options available to you. You are an active partner in your care and are included in the decision-making process. We test for food, environmental, and allergies to topical products by performing skin prick tests and patch tests.

Skin prick testing is performed on children and adults by scratching the skin on the patient’s back with a plastic device that has a drop of allergen on the end. The state-of-the-art plastic device we use allows the application of several tests at once, with little or no discomfort, and no bleeding. A small amount of an allergen is placed on or just below the skin to see if a reaction will occur. If you are allergic to a specific allergen, an itchy, red raised bump (referred to as a wheal) will appear within 15 minutes. This is called a positive reaction.

Patch testing is performed to help identify allergy triggers for certain skin rash symptoms, as an aid in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Patches are applied to the patient’s back. Patients return to the office at various intervals (ideally 48 hours and 72 hours after patches are applied) for evaluation of any reactions.