4 Types of Allergy Tests You Should Know
Living with itchy rashes and sudden flare-ups is a constant guessing game for people who haven't properly discovered the cause of their skin allergies. Most of the time, they put the blame on something else, like a cat or the changing weather, for their irritated skin. But in reality, it's the bad clothing preferences that provoke their triggers.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), people with untreated allergy symptoms are usually unaware of how much better they can feel after taking allergy tests. It is, therefore, important to have a proper diagnosis not just to know the causes of your flare-ups, but also to manage the symptoms better.
This January, start the year right by discovering the roots of your physical discomfort and frustrations. Good thing there are several things that your allergist can do if you are sensitive to something in your environment.
Here are the four (4) best and safest ways to tell exactly what triggers your symptoms as discussed by the AAAAI.
- SKIN TESTS
A skin test or epicutaneous test is the most common way a doctor can check on what causes your symptoms.
This test involves a plastic device that pricks and extracts common allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, food, hair dye, preservatives, cosmetics, and other chemicals, on your skin. After placing them, your allergist will look for the development of hives, redness, or swelling at the site of testing within 15 to 20 minutes.
- INTRADERMAL TESTS
If the skin test fails to identify the allergens to which you are allergic and the results are seemingly inconclusive, then you will likely have a second test called an intradermal skin test.
A little more sensitive than the prick tests, the intradermal skin test involves using a syringe to put a small amount of allergen just under the skin. The allergist will then read out the test by looking at the development of a hive at the testing site.
- BLOOD TESTS
When the previous tests are not possible, a blood test for serum specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE), the antibody produced by the immune system responding to an allergen, may be performed.
Since the body produces antibodies to fight invaders and allergens, this test draws blood and examines the overall number of IgE in your blood. However, a blood test for allergies costs more than some other tests and they also take longer to receive your results.
- PATCH TESTS
Meanwhile, for those with type IV hypersensitivity or delayed-type allergy, your doctor may schedule you for a more complex type of testing called a patch test.
Allergy patch testing determines the cause of an allergic reaction by placing several small patches filled with various allergens on a person's back for 2-3 days. After the duration, you will then be asked to come back to assess the testing sites for the development of redness and swelling
As maintained by the AAAAI, these tests are fairly painless. The only problem that people would feel is the itching, but the irritation does not last long and can easily be managed with the right treatment.
So if you think that you have symptoms of skin allergies, Cottonique urges you to visit your local allergists as they have the tools and training to pinpoint what is making your allergies act up. As allergists, they are trained to quickly and efficiently treat any allergic reactions and provide an array of treatment options to help you live an itch-free life.
While you're at it, you can also check your clothing preferences. Oftentimes, when people think that they can’t have fun because of their awful skin condition, they just don’t realize those bad clothing choices are the root of their discomfort. This is why quality organic clothes matter.
Visit our collections to experience wide-ranging options made completely from 100% organic cotton. With Cottonique, there is no reason to suffer from allergies. Wear organic now and see your allergist today.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website.
Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
