Often, the symptoms of allergies develop gradually over a period of time. Allergy sufferers may become so accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or wheezing, that they do not consider their symptoms to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist, these symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled and quality of life greatly improved. The skin test is a method of measuring the patient's level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens. Using diluted solutions of specific allergens, the child's pediatrician or pediatric allergist either injects the patient with the solutions, or applies them to a small scratch or puncture.
Reaction appears as a small red area on the skin.
A reaction to the skin test does not always mean that the patient is allergic to the allergen that caused the reaction. A blood test is used to measure the patient's level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens. All rights reserved. All information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions .