Skin Tests

 

Discover an Allergen Within Minutes
 

What is Skin Prick Testing?

Skin prick testing or SPT demonstrates an allergic response to a specific allergen and can help to confirm the presence of an allergy to either a food or an inhaled substance (allergen). It’s a simple, safe and quick test, showing results in 15 to 20 minutes, therefore enabling practitioners to provide diagnosis and management plans for a patient during their appointment.

What Happens During a SPT?

SPT introduces a tiny amount of allergen under the skin, eliciting a small, localised allergic response, in the form of a wheal (bump) and flare (redness) at the site of testing. These tests can be carried out on all age groups, including babies. 
 

These tests are useful if we think a child has had an IgE-mediated reaction. Typically, a child upon exposure to something they’re allergic too, reactions within minutes and symptoms include:
 

Swelling

Vomiting

Itch

Sneezing

Nettle rash

Wheezy chest

 

We can test for the following: 
 

Animal hair

Pollens

House dust mite

Common foods

Moulds

Eczema triggers
 

They are NOT useful for intolerance's. There is NO test for intolerance's and the treatment is to stop eating the suspected food for 4 weeks. If symptoms (classically bloated/tummy pain/loose stools) get better, BRING the food back to make sure problems then return to diagnose the cause.

To book a skin prick test appointment, get in touch with me directly, or find your nearest clinic.
 

logo copy iconpng
©Copyright All Rights Reserved  Tel: 01487 208293  Email: kidsallergy@gmail.com
Home Page | About | Skin Tests | Asthma | Contact Us