Skin Tests for Allergies
Skin tests may be used to diagnose allergies to certain substances. In this test, the skin on the back or the arms is pricked with one or more small doses of substances (allergens) that might cause an allergy. The amount of swelling and redness at the sites of the skin pricks is measured to see which allergens cause a reaction.
Skin tests may be recommended for people with asthma. If you have asthma, avoiding substances that cause a reaction (triggers) may improve your asthma symptoms. For some people, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be helpful.
Q: Atlanta is beautiful in the spring, but my allergies are so bad! Will moving to the desert make them go away? A: Ragweed and grass pollens are triggers that are difficult to avoid almost everywhere in the continental United States during the spring and summer. Although much of Arizona and New Mexico is arid, most people in the cities, suburbs, and small towns grow grass for lawns. Plus, the land has been disturbed by construction and landscaping, so weeds are widespread. Las Vegas, Tucson,...
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For more information on skin tests, see the topic Allergic Rhinitis.
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