Allergy Testing

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless, normal foreign substance, called an allergen, that it has been sensitized to. When the allergen comes into contact with the body, the immune system reacts to inflame the area.

Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and their severity can range from mild to extreme.An allergy skin test is important to determine what substances the body is allergic to. Along with your medical history, it can confirm whether a particular substance is causing an allergic reaction. This information helps your provider at Skin and Laser Dermatology Center develop an allergy treatment plan for your specific needs.

Patients who have symptoms they believe may be linked to an allergic reaction or do not have enough relief from symptoms with over-the-counter treatments should call today to schedule an appointment for allergy testing at (703) 893-1114.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your provider will review your symptoms and other relevant aspects of your medical history. Based on your medical history and a physical examination if needed, they will determine the specific type of allergy testing required.

During the allergy test the skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction.

There are two methods for skin testing, prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing:

  1. Prick skin testing is when individual solutions containing the suspected allergen are placed on the skin using a prick device.
  2. Intradermal allergy testing is when a small amount of the suspected allergen is injected just under the surface of the skin using a small needle.

Both tests usually have their results read 15 minutes after the suspected allergen is placed on or under the skin.

The most common side effect is itching and mild swelling where the test is done. These symptoms often clear up within a few hours of the test and can last up to 24-48 hours. Mild steroid creams and antihistamines may help alleviate these symptoms. On rare occasions, allergy tests produce an immediate, severe reaction that requires medical attention. Your medical provider is trained to respond to these rare causes with the proper treatment and equipment, including epinephrine to treat a potentially life-threatening acute allergic reaction also known as anaphylaxis.

Yes. Both children and adults can be tested for allergies.

Results are quite fast because positive reactions usually appear within twenty minutes of the test. Delayed reactions can occur, usually disappear in 24-48 hours, and should be reported to the office.

Both the intradermal injection and prick skin testing have little to no pain. Positive reactions can result in itchy red bumps that can be alleviated with topical steroid treatments or by taking antihistamines afterwards.

Avoid all antihistamines and sleep aids that contain antihistamines for five days prior to the appointment. These include Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin/Alavert (Loratadine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Doxepin (Sinequan), Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Atarax (Hydroxyzine), Clarinex (Desloratadine), Atarax (Hydroxyzine), Clarinex (Desloratadine), Xyzal (Levocetirizine).

An allergy blood is when a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. This procedure might be performed if:

  1. A medication cannot be stopped that can interfere with skin testing
  2. The patient has a severe skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis
  3. Testing with a strong allergen might cause a severe allergic reaction
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Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.

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My eyelid surgery results for the facial wrinkles look very natural. Very skilled dermatologic surgeon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Holly Facebook.com

Dr. Bajoghli always has time for his patients, you never feel that he is rushing you and after you leave if you have any concerns he is very responsive to the point of giving out his cell phone number. I can’t say enough about him and his staff.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – John Google.com

Nurse Rassmussen answers all of my questions, listens to my concerns, examines my skin, goes over my treatment protocol and gets me out the door quickly, but without feeling rushed, so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I have already recommended this practice to a couple of friends, and I will continue to do so with confidence.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Riley Yelp.com

I really appreciate the polite and professional service that Dr. Bajoghli’s practice provides in my dermatologic health. All of his staff make you feel welcome and are concerned for your care. Speaking as someone who neglected his skin care when I was young, I appreciate having a physician who is personally concerned for his patients.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Dennis Google.com

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