Skin allergy is a condition that flags an immune system disorder. The reaction occurs when a person comes in contact with some substances, which hampers their immune system. Although such substances are harmless; however, it may cause itching, burning, inflammation, wheal, hives, and swelling. It is termed as a skin allergy reaction. To conquer this health issue, it is vital to go under observation by performing a skin allergy test.
Some common skin allergy conditions include; Eczema, dermatitis, Urticaria, and Angioedema.
Eczema is a skin condition that leads to asthma, food, and seasonal allergies. It occurs due to specific food intake, anxiety, soaps and lotions, and cold and dry air. A person diagnosed with eczema feels itchiness, dryness, and irritation in their skin. This allergy reaction can be hereditary or occurs due to environmental factors. It is more commonly found in children than adults.
It is a condition where getting in touch with some environmental substances results in an allergic reaction. For example, Some people are allergic to metal nickel; if they are wearing jewelry consisting of this material, it may trigger an allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to poison ivy and poison oak plants as well.
Hive is a symptom that occurs due to a food allergy. In this condition, a bump-like shape takes place, which is also known as wheal or welts. The reason behind the bumps’ occurrence is histamine, a substance that is released from the body in response to allergens.
It is a skin condition where hardcore swelling occurs near eyelids, lips, and throat. It often takes place with hives.
| Skin Allergies | Symptoms | Body Parts |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eczema | Itchy, scaly, dry skin & skin rash | Face, hands, elbows & knees |
| 2. Dermatitis | An itchy, painful rash might be a bump or a blister. | No particular part |
| 3. Hives | Swelling, itchy, raised skin or welts, tender bumps. | No particular part |
| 4. Angioedema | Serious swelling | Eyelids, lips, and throatn |
Skin allergy, to an extent, is non-life threatening. However, if the allergic reaction arises to be deeper, it can be riskier after a certain period. In such cases, Self-Test Diagnostics will hold your hand. For those who are noticing these allergic symptoms but are afraid of visiting a skin allergy specialist, you can register yourself with Self-test Diagnostic as we provide all types of skin allergy testing with 90% accuracy in results.
Being a preferred healthcare provider, we recommend you with best practices to undertake before a test. Our board-certified Phlebotomist team will visit your home and take samples as per your convenience. It will then be sent for observation, analysis, and evaluation, where we learn the causes and severity of your allergy.
Our associated doctors and allergists will ask you some related questions such as;
Those who are suffering from skin allergies should not take it for granted. We care about your well-being and hence offer several methods for skin allergy testing. Traditionally, skin allergists and skin allergy specialists state that if these allergies enhance with time, one may have to be operated in a skin allergy clinic or doctor’s clinic. This theory stands corrected even today. However, suppose our Phlebotomist finds that the allergic reactions are severe. It will then be informed to the concerned person beforehand as soon as the report arrives.
A skin prick test is also called a scratch test or percutaneous skin test. This is the most accurate method of skin allergy testing. In adults, this test is conducted on the forearm, whereas in kids, it is performed on the upper back.
Although, a Percutaneous skin test can find 50 allergens at a time. However, this test aims to identify allergies due to mold, pollen, pet dander, dust, and food. In this test, needles and lancets are used, but it is treated with experienced hands that lower the blood loss risk. You might feel a little discomfort for a few seconds.
In a skin prick allergy test, allergen plays a vital role. Allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Sometimes, skin allergists ask for a blood test for skin allergy if SPT results are not satisfactory.
Basically, skin allergists use allergens to inject into the skin to evaluate whether the person’s immune system is reacting to it or not. If a person is allergic to certain allergens, the immune system would go crazy and release antibodies to avoid harm.
Once these allergens get in touch with any antibody, the human body starts releasing histamine. Activities that happen while fighting against allergic reactions are:
People who are prescribed a food allergy skin test are often suggested by skin allergists that they should perform an SPT first.
A skin patch test is a skin testing procedure that is undertaken in search of substances that cause allergic reactions. A skin patch allergy test is a lengthy procedure that takes approximately 48-96 hours for the results to be out. In this process, diluted allergens are placed on the forearm or back (as per suitability). Dermatitis can be both exogenous and endogenous. In some cases, they are mixed, meaning both substances are present.
A skin patch allergy test is performed on the back with the help of Finn chambers. The skin allergy specialist uses small aluminium discs to fit the taps. In one go, hundreds of allergens can be applied.
A skin allergist needs to be very cautious while performing this test. Ideally, even when the dermatitis is inactive. However, if the back starts inflaming, the spot needs to be shifted immediately, either on the arm or abdominal skin. Once the diluted allergens are placed on the skin, for the first 48 hours, they have to stay put the same way, and later another 48 hours are invested in skin inspection.
Before performing a skin patch allergy test, a person should take care of these things:
The intradermal test is similar to a skin prick test, but the procedure has a thin line of difference. Unlike SPT, the intradermal skin test focuses on swelling and redness. This test has the same method of inserting the allergens, but only these two symptoms are considered after each test. In most cases, the intradermal skin test turns out to be a positive allergy skin test in comparison to SPT. This test runs for 30-40 minutes.
Hypersensitivity is a situation where allergens excessively start hitting the immune system. Normally, our immune system has enough power to fight against pathogens. A hypersensitivity skin test is conducted in the same way as SPT and the intradermal test. There are four levels of hypersensitivity.
Type I: reaction caused by IgE antibodies
Type II: Cytotoxic reaction caused by IgG and IgM antibodies
Type III: reaction mediated by immune complexes
Type IV: delayed reaction mediated by cellular response
The first three levels take place within 24 hours; hence, they are considered an immediate hypersensitivity. Whereas type IV is a delayed hypersensitivity as it occurs after being exposed to allergens for 12 hours.
It is observed that type IV hypersensitivity plays a vital role in fighting various pathogens such as mycobacteria and fungi. In addition, they are also involved in tumor immunity and transplant rejection.
Antibiotic allergy is a condition that affects 10% of children with skin allergies. To those parents whose children are allergic to antibiotics, visit a doctor for an antibiotic skin test. If you want to book a test at home, you can consult or register with Self-test Diagnostics, where a specialized team of Phlebotomists takes care of the testing procedure.
As far as a skin sensitivity test is concerned, it is administered when a person is allergic to a penicillin antibiotic. These tests are always available to trace such allergies.
A skin allergy test is required when someone does not know what causes the allergy. For example, if you find rashes, itchiness, redness, and irritation on the skin, you must consult a doctor or a reliable diagnostic like Self-Test Diagnostics.
Skin allergy test consists of some methodological procedures. As prescribed by your doctors, specific tests help detect the cause of your symptoms. Basically, in some tests, syringes or injections are used to inject allergens. Whereas, in some tests, topical allergens are placed to ensure the severity of your allergy.
Being the go-to healthcare provider in the industry, we recommend you visit us ASAP once you start seeing any of the symptoms listed above. Because allergens tend to react gradually with time, it becomes essential to restrict your contact with allergens that can damage your immune system badly.
Widely, no, but there are always exceptions to it. It totally depends on the allergy you are suffering from.
Self-Test Diagnostics is one of the leading home service-providing diagnostic companies. We are a team of certified experts, doctors, allergists, and nurses. A group of phlebotomists that undertakes utmost care while collecting and delivering samples. We hope for your better health; hence you can always contact us whenever there is a medical issue bothering you. At Self-Test Diagnostics, we have an easy-to-use online platform where you can book your slot by adding all the necessary information asked in the form. Our Phlebotomist will visit the given destination and take the samples. You need not worry about anything. Later, we will send your sample to our associated lab partners and provide you with results via email and SMS.
In this modern age world, under the observation of expert phlebotomists, the test can be performed at home. Yes, you heard me right. You can register at Self-Test diagnostics now for at-home services.
Skin testing results can be inaccurate at times, such as with tests like SPTs. Positive allergy skin tests and false negatives can occur in the reports. But, if your doctor believes that a positive skin test is inaccurate, they may recommend a blood test. However, with Self-test Diagnostics unwavering record of 90% accuracy, you don’t have to worry about such mishaps since they can give you more reliable results.
Get rid of your skin allergies. You are a click away. Register and book your slots now.