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What is an Allergy?

An allergy develops when the body’s immune system over-reacts to a substance that is not normally harmful, e.g. grass pollen. In allergic reactions the body produces powerful chemicals such as histamine. These chemicals cause unpleasant symptoms and can be harmful and cause damage to the body.

People can have allergies to almost anything, from animals, bee and wasp stings to grasses or even chocolate. The substances that cause reactions are called allergens.

Symptoms include:-

Nose:
Urge to sneeze, runny or blocked nose causing breathing difficulty (rhinitis).

Eyes:
Itching; reddening; watering; swelling (conjunctivitis)

Respiratory System:
Asthma, causing coughing, wheezing and occasionally acute breathing difficulty.

Skin:
Nettle rash or eczema may occur on direct skin contact with some allergens.

What is a Skin Prick Test?

A Skin Prick Test is used to diagnose allergies. The Doctor will prick gently through a drop of allergen extract placed on the surface of the arm. If you are allergic to the allergen you will have a small, itchy swelling and a reddening of the skin after 10 – 15 minutes.

Why am I having a Skin Prick Test done?

Your doctor has decided that you might have an allergy, so you will be asked when your symptoms are most obvious, such as inside the home, outdoors, night time etc. From that information the doctor can choose which allergens you need testing with.

What must I do before the Skin Prick Test?

You should not take any antihistamines or cough medicines for at least 3 days before attending your Skin Prick Test clinic; this is because the medicines interfere with the body’s reaction to the Skin Prick Test and could suppress your test results. Please speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure of the ingredients in any medicine you are currently taking.

How is the test performed?

The doctor will tell you to rest your arm near the edge of a table and using a pen the doctor will mark and code your forearm, either directly or on tape.

The doctor will then apply one drop of each allergen solution on to your skin next to it’s code number.

The doctor will prick the skin through the drop using a lancet. This feels like a small pinprick.

The doctor will then blot the forearm dry.

If you are allergic to one of the allergens a slight swelling surrounded by a red area will develop after about 15 minutes.

What happens after my Skin Prick Test?

The reactions will disappear after 2 to 3 hours.

The doctor may apply cream to stop any itchiness caused by the reactions.

You may resume your medication unless the doctor advised otherwise.

The symptoms of allergy can be controlled using medication in the form of tablets, inhalers, creams etc. depending on the location, type and seriousness of symptoms. Remember these medications do not cure the allergy and only provide relief while they are taken or applied. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment most suitable for your.

Your doctor will also give you advice about ways to control your allergy.

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Acknowledgement:
Diagenics Information Services
South House 3
Bond Avenue
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK1 1SW

To purchase any Diagenics products, you can call or email them on:
Tel: 01908 376376 / Email: info@diagenics.co.uk
Alternatively, you can place your order and pay online at their website:
www.diagenics.co.uk/catalog