Pollen, grass, animal hair or house dust mites
Allergies are divided into inhalation allergies (the substance that causes the allergy is inhaled) and contact allergies (the substance that causes the allergy comes into direct contact with the skin/mucous membrane).
The most common inhalation allergens are
Inhalation allergies are tested on the skin using the so-called prick test. Various allergen solutions are dripped onto the skin on the forearm and pricked into the skin with a fine needle. The test reaction is assessed after 20 minutes. A positive reaction is similar to a mosquito bite with redness, swelling and itching.
The most common contact allergens are
Contact allergies are tested using the epicutaneous test (patch test). Small chambers containing the individual allergens are attached to the back with a patch and left in place for 48 hours. After 48 hours, the patch is removed and the test results are read. A further reading is taken after 72 hours. If there is a contact allergy, you will see reddened papules where the chamber with the allergen was, which usually itch.
Further allergy tests can be carried out in the Dermanence using a blood test.