Skin Testing Specialist
-
- Tweet
West Houston Allergy & Asthma
Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology located in Katy, Richmond, & Houston, TX
When you’re suffering from daily allergies, the quality of your life decreases, but take note: One way to find a solution for your allergies is with skin testing. Pradeep Rihal, MD, offers safe and comfortable allergy skin testing at West Houston Allergy & Asthma. With three convenient locations in Katy, Richmond, and Houston, Texas, making a skin testing appointment to uncover the source of your allergies is easy. Call the office closest to you or book an appointment online for your today.
Skin Testing Q & A
Why is skin testing done?
Skin testing is a way to determine if you’re suffering from a skin allergy. The test entails exposing your skin to potentially allergy-causing substances and waiting for an allergic response. If there’s a response, it indicates you have an allergic reaction.
Among other approaches to determining an allergy, skin testing allows your immunologist or allergist to gather the necessary information to craft a personalized allergy treatment plan. Skin tests help diagnose common allergic conditions, including:
- Food allergies
- Dermatitis or eczema
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Allergic asthma
- Penicillin allergy
- Latex allergy
- Bee venom allergy
In general, skin testing is the best way to diagnose airborne allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
What are the different kinds of skin tests?
Skin tests take place right in the West Houston Allergy & Asthma offices. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, you may have either patch testing (aeroallergen testing) or blood tests.
Patch testing
This type of testing determines whether a particular substance is resulting in an allergic skin irritation like contact dermatitis. Patch testing helps to diagnose allergic reactions that develop over some time.
Usually, your doctor covers your skin with a patch that has different substances that can cause contact dermatitis. Some of these substances include:
- Latex
- Medications
- Fragrances
- Preservatives
- Hair dyes
- Metals
- Resins
Depending on the treatment, you wear the patch for 48 hours while avoiding exercise that causes sweating. If your skin becomes irritated, you may have an allergy. After the specified period, you return to the West Houston Allergy & Asthma office for your results.
Blood testing
Most of the time, patch testing is all that’s needed, but in some cases, blood tests are the right answer for you. Perhaps you shouldn’t undergo skin tests, so a blood test is necessary.
Is skin testing safe?
Skin testing is generally a safe and effective method for determining allergies for adults and children of all ages. For those taking certain medications or with severe skin conditions, Dr. Rihal may recommend other types of allergy skin tests.
Skin tests give fast results. Call West Houston Allergy & Asthma today to schedule an appointment in Katy, Richmond, or Houston, Texas or use the online booking tool.
