Skin Allergy Testing Specialist
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Allen Sapadin, MD
Dermatologists & Aesthetic Specialists located in Hackensack, NJ
If you’re tired of red, itchy, bumpy skin or other allergic symptoms, having skin allergy testing with skilled medical dermatologist Allen Sapadin, MD, in Hackensack, New Jersey, is the answer. With this simple in-office test, Dr. Sapadin determines what’s behind your allergies so you can get the relief you need. Book now using the online scheduler or by calling the office.
Skin Allergy Testing
When is skin allergy testing recommended?
If Dr. Sapadin suspects that your skin reactions or other symptoms are connected to an allergy, he may recommend skin allergy testing to isolate the specific cause.
Sometimes, you may be fairly certain what's causing the reaction but simply need confirmation. In other cases, you may have no idea why you're having serious skin reactions at certain times. Skin allergy testing can help in either situation.
How does an allergy skin test work?
Dr. Sapadin typically does a prick test, also called a scratch test. He creates tiny punctures in your skin and places a very small amount of a possible allergen into each puncture. Then, you wait for about 15 minutes to let the allergens take effect.
If you're allergic to a tested substance, your skin develops a red bump or other noticeable reaction in that area. Usually, Dr. Sapadin does allergy skin testing on your forearm. In kids, the test may be on the back instead.
Another possible allergy test is the intradermal skin test. This test is usually used for specific allergens like bee stings and penicillin. With an intradermal test, Dr. Sapadin injects a very small quantity of the potential allergen directly into the skin and then measures the reaction.
What should I do before my allergy skin test?
Dr. Sapadin typically recommends that you stop taking antihistamines or other antiallergy medication in the week prior to your test because they can interfere with test results. Also, avoid using any creams or lotions on your skin before your appointment.
What happens after my skin allergy test?
After your skin allergy test, Dr. Sapadin prescribes effective treatment and/or lifestyle changes to keep your skin allergy-free.
Sometimes, avoiding skin reactions is simply a matter of staying away from the allergen. With a food allergy or topical allergy to things like lotion, this can be simple. But, with a pet dander or dust mite allergy, it may take more effort to change your environment to avoid allergic reactions.
Dr. Sapadin makes specific recommendations to help, and he prescribes medication as-needed to control your skin allergies. If you have a condition like eczema that's triggered by certain allergens, Dr. Sapadin may prescribe both lifestyle changes and medications to help you minimize your flare-ups.
Use the online scheduler or call the office of Allen Sapadin, MD, to book your appointment.
