Dr Sara Martin is a Darwin allergy GP with a special interest in clinical immunology and conducts allergy testing at Territory Medical Group.
One of the allergy tests available is a skin prick test.
Management of allergic disease requires accurate diagnosis of the allergic disease involved.
Slightly uncomfortable skin prick testing is well tolerated. Localised itching and swelling occurs however this generally subsides within a couple of hours. If more serious swelling occurs Dr will treat you with a non sedating antihistamine, some pain relief and a cold compress. More severe reactions are rare.
Antihistamine medications should be ceased 3-7 days prior to testing Dr Sara Martin will advise of your specific recommendations.
You will also be advised to cease the application of any creams and moisturisers prior to skin prick testing.