Hives aren’t usually a serious medical threat, but they can certainly make you uncomfortable for several hours to days. Read what you can do to manage a hive breakout and when you may need to see a doctor.
Skin Test
During this examination, different allergens will be placed on your skin. The doctor will take note of the reactions that you exhibit. There are a few types of skin allergy tests that can be conducted. The intradermal exam involves injecting an allergen into the skin. The prick test is conducted by putting a small allergen solution onto the skin. Needle pricks or scratches are made to allow small amount of the allergen to get into the skin. Skin patches can also be placed onto the skin for extended periods of time to reveal skin allergies.
This type of allergy testing leads to on-the-spot results where your skin may or may not react within a few minutes to the allergens you are exposed too.
Blood Test
Your blood can be analyzed for substances that may cause allergic reactions. Skin testing is the more common form of examination, but blood allergy tests are common for people who have an existing skin condition, or people who are unable to stop taking a certain medication. This test is a bit more comfortable for patients considering that the allergens are not being directly exposed to the skin, but this also means that results may take a while longer to return from your doctors lab.
The results of your examination can reveal what kind of treatment you that you may benefit you best. Consult your doctor today to learn more about which allergy tests will be right for you.
