Only test yourself for an allergy if you have never had a severe reaction to the substance. Swelling of mouth, throat, eyes, etc. Hives Difficulty breathing Convulsions If you have a mild reaction to a food, try eliminating it from your diet and watch for changes in signs or symptoms. Apply the same thinking to other suspected allergens. Sometimes you need professional help in identifying an allergen.
Skin tests are the standard.
They are also reliable for detecting allergies to insect bites, and to certain drugs such as penicillin. The one kind of allergen they are not appropriate for are foods. There are two methods of skin testing. The other involves injecting a minute amount of allergen directly under the skin. Results are checked 15 to 20 minutes later.