Have you tried everything you can think of to control your allergy?

Do you load up on Benadryl only to become drowsy and have the allergy reappear when the Benadryl wears off? Have you tried over the counter hydrocortisone and Benadryl creams for itchy skin, but it doesn’t seem to help? Perhaps you have tried these steps and sought your doctor for more help.

Your doctor may then have put you on prescription medicines that tackle a wide range of allergens. You had some respite from your symptoms, but not to the level you desire. You are frustrated that your nose is always running and your eyes are itching. What can you do to solve this problem? Ask your doctor for an allergy test.

The test can be administered by a doctor or Allergist. The purpose of a test is to determine what factors are the root causes of your problems. Do you have an adverse reaction to mold? Do you have a food allergy? A test can help determine this.

What types of tests do doctors and Allergists use? Common tests are skin and blood tests. The purpose of a test on the skin is to find if one or more of the following is the offender: weeds, grasses, dust, dust mites, foods, medications, fungus, and insect venom. There are different kinds of skin tests.

One skin test is the skin prick test. This test involves placing a drop of an allergen solution on the skin. Then the skin is pricked with a needle so the solution can seep into the skin. An problem is present if the skin becomes itchy, red, and inflamed. A deeper skin test can also be done by injecting the allergen into the skin and observing the skin’s reaction.

Another skin test has to do with contact dermatitis. A solution containing an allergen is dropped onto a pad. The pad is placed against the skin for two days. If the skin becomes itchy, red, and inflamed then the person has an problem that substance. This is known as a skin patch test.

Your doctor or allergist can also administer a blood test to determine whether you have certain allergies. These tests, along with an assessment of symptoms, can pinpoint the specific cause. You can then remove or avoid this allergen in the future.

Also read our article about Allergy Doctors