Allergy Testing
Urticaria and other types of allergic conditions are very common in general population. Shubham skin clinic at Pune Sinhagad road provides all facilities like allergy testing to find out the exact cause of allergy and treatment for urticaria and other allergic problems.
Allergy testing is the method to find out the cause of allergy in a patient. There are two methods of allergy testing. One is allergic prick test and other is skin patch test. Prick test is usually done to find out the cause related to food ingredients, dust, insects and pollen grains. It is done in urticaria, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Patch test is done to find out cause of contact allergy. It is done in allergic contact dermatitis like due to cement, artificial jewelry, hair dye etc.
Skin prick test
In this test a diluted extract of each allergen in the form of drop derived from food, dust, insect & pollen is pricked into skin of forearm intradermally. Reading is usually taken after 15-20 minutes. If small itchy red colored elevation appears around prick site then it is considered as positive reaction. If there is no change then it is negative reaction. One thing should be noted that this test gives only clue about the food, dust, insect or pollen to which patient is allergic. This is not a treatment. But definitely this test helps in reducing the severity of allergy. Usually it is done in urticaria, allergic rhinitis & asthma. This test is very safe & cost effective. A very little pain may be experienced during test but it is negligible & tolerable. Test usually done in 30-40 minutes. No special care is required before & after test. Only patient should avoid any ant allergic medicines 24 hours prior to test.
Skin patch test
In this test the diluted allergen (substance) in the form of cream or lotion is placed on a pad & is taped to the back of patient for 24-36 hours. Reading is usually taken after 24-36 hours. If skin develops a red itchy raised area then it is suggestive of positive reaction & if there is no change then it is negative reaction. This test is usually done for allergic contact dermatitis, air borne contact dermatitis. Many times this test gives the exact clue about the substance which is cause of allergy. With this test we can detect hair dye allergy, allergy due to artificial jewelry & sun allergy. It is totally safe, painless & cost effective treatment. This test is usually done in 10-15 minutes. Patient should avoid anti allergic medicines after the test & avoid contact of water for 2 days till the allergy test pad is present on back.
