Information from allergy tests will guide the doctor to formulate a treatment plan that includes

• Allergen avoidance, Once you know the allergen and if you can avoid getting exposed to it. The symptoms will be under control.
• Medications
• Allergy shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy skin tests are widely used to help diagnose allergic conditions, including:

• Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
• Allergic Asthma
• Dermatitis (eczema)
• Food allergies

Skin tests are generally safe for adults and children of all ages, including infants. In certain circumstances, skin tests aren't recommended. You should inform your doctor if you:

• Have ever had a severe allergic reaction. You may be so sensitive to certain substances that even the tiny amounts used in skin tests could trigger a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis).


• Take medications that could interfere with test results. These include antihistamines, many antidepressants and some heartburn medications. Your doctor may determine that it's better for you to continue taking these medications than to temporarily discontinue them in preparation for a skin test.


• Have certain skin conditions. If severe eczema or psoriasis affects large areas of skin on your arms and back — the usual testing sites — there may not be enough clear, uninvolved skin to do an effective test.

The most common side effect of skin testing is slightly swollen, red, itchy bumps (wheals). These wheals may be most noticeable during the test. In some people, though, an area of swelling, redness and itching may develop a few hours after the test and persist for as long as a couple of days.

Rarely, allergy skin tests can produce a severe, immediate allergic reaction, so it's important to have skin tests performed at an office where appropriate emergency equipment and medications are available.

Medications that can interfere with results

Please bring the list of all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can suppress allergic reactions, preventing the skin testing from giving accurate results. Other medications may increase your risk of developing a severe allergic reaction during a test.

Because medications clear out of your system at different rates, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications for up to 10 days. Medications that can interfere with skin tests include:

• Prescription antihistamines, such as levocetirizine and desloratadine.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as loratadine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine and fexofenadine.
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and desipramine.
• Certain medications for acidity, such as cimetidine and ranitidine.

Before you leave your doctor's clinic, you'll know the results of a skin prick test.

A positive skin test means that you may be allergic to a particular substance. Bigger wheals usually indicate a greater degree of sensitivity. A negative skin test means that you probably aren't allergic to a particular allergen.

Keep in mind, skin tests aren't always accurate. They sometimes indicate an allergy when there isn't one (false positive), or skin testing may not trigger a reaction when you're exposed to something that you are allergic to (false negative). You may react differently to the same test performed on different occasions. Or you may react positively to a substance during a test but not react to it in everyday life.

Your allergy treatment plan may include medications, immunotherapy, changes to your work or home environment, or dietary changes. The doctor will explain everything about your diagnosis and treatment . The treatment plan will help you take control of your symptoms, you'll be able to reduce or eliminate allergy signs and symptoms.