Allergy testing

Allergies are divided into inhalation allergies (substance that causes allergy inhaled) and contact allergies (substance that causes allergy in direct contact with skin/mucosa).

The most common inhalation allergens are:
– House dust mites
– animal hair
– Pollen.

Inhalation allergies are tested on the skin with the so-called prick test. Various allergen solutions are trickled onto the skin on the forearm and poked into the skin with a fine needle. The test reaction is evaluated after 20 minutes. A positive reaction is like a mosquito bite with redness, swelling and itching.

The most common contact allergens are:
– Nickel
– perfumes
– Peru balsam.

Contact allergies are tested with the epicutaneous test (patch test). Small chambers containing the individual allergens are stuck on the back with a plaster and left for 48 hours. After 48 hours the patch is removed and the test is read. Another reading is taken after 72 hours. If there is a contact allergy, you can see reddened papules at the place where the chamber with the allergen was, which usually itch.

Further allergy tests can be carried out in the Dermanence by means of blood test.