Allergy Skin Tests
The type of test done is dependent on the symptoms patients are experiencing. A blood tests or skin prick test may be recommended for immediate type reactions.
If a patient develops an immediate reaction to food and airborne allergens with wheals or hives, eye swelling, lips swelling and breathing difficulties then a blood test might be offered first to avoid a severe allergic reaction. Skin prick tests on the other hand offer more accuracy however may require the patient to stop their anti-histamines for at least 3 days. In some patients, this may not be possible.
Atopic dermatitis, one of the seven types of Eczema, is a delayed type reaction.
Yes, allergy tests can be helpful in these 3 scenarios
- Severe and not responding to creams
- Food allergy testing if onset prior to age 3 and parents have noticed the flare ups being closely related to certain foods and well-recorded in a food diary
- Aeroallergen testing especially if concomitant symptoms of allergic rhinitis or asthma
- If the rash is recurrent or persistent in a region of the skin, a patch testing can be helpful in identifying chemical contact allergens
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
St Anne Mother & Child Centre
#02-81
Singapore 574623
Opening hours
Monday to Friday:
8.30am to 5pm
Saturday (2nd and 4th):
8.30am to 12noon
Phone or WhatsApp
(65) 91252808