Skin Allergy Testing in Palm Beach, FL
Allergies affect 50 million Americans every year, and it’s the sixth leading chronic disease in the country. Identifying the underlying cause of your allergy may improve treatment. Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches, with offices in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Atlantis, Wellington, Delray Beach, and Trinity, Florida, features board-certified dermatologists who offer skin allergy testing to help you find the cause of your allergy symptoms. Call or click here to book an appointment online.
What is skin allergy testing?
Skin allergy testing is a diagnostic procedure Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches offers to help identify substances (allergens) that cause your allergic reaction. The full-service dermatology practice offers skin prick allergy testing and patch testing.
Skin allergy testing is considered an accurate diagnostic tool for identifying allergens. A negative skin allergy test means you had no skin changes in response to the allergen, and it’s highly unlikely you’re allergic to the substance.
Am I a good candidate for skin allergy testing?
Your provider at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches determines if you’re a good candidate for skin allergy testing during a consultation. The test is best suited for those suffering from:
- Hay fever
- Allergy-induced asthma
- Food allergies
- Allergy to bees
- Allergy to penicillin
- Skin allergens
The practice includes pediatric dermatology and offers allergy skin testing for children, too.
Patient Reviews
“Dr Brown is a caring personable professional. staff is always friendly and helpful. I had Dr for 30 years before I moved and was hoping to find a good replacement. Dr Brown is excellent and I couldn’t be happier with her care and treating my skin issues.” – Bruce Y.
What happens during skin prick allergy testing?
The skin prick test is a common type of allergy testing and tests for immediate hypersensitivity to environmental and food allergens. During a skin prick test, your provider pricks your skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen, usually on the arm or back.
Your provider then closely monitors you and your skin for a reaction. The skin prick allergy testing usually provides results within 20-25 minutes. With a positive skin prick test, you develop a raised red bump at the site of the prick.
What happens during patch testing?
Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches may recommend patch testing to diagnose allergens responsible for a skin rash. The patch test specifically tests for delayed-type hypersensitivity.
During a patch test, your provider tapes suspected allergens to your skin for 48 hours. You return to the office within 72-96 hours for an evaluation.
Based on the results of your allergy skin testing, your provider at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches offers recommendations on the steps you can take to minimize contact with the allergen and the related symptoms.
To schedule your allergy skin testing, call Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches or click here to book an appointment online.