There are two allergy skin test methods available to determine what you are allergic to. Both methods require a small amount of an allergen extract applied to the skin and then waiting to see if a local skin reaction develops.

A reaction will typically appear within 15 to 20 minutes, and will resemble something like of a mosquito bite.

Skin Prick Testing

With skin prick testing, the skin of the upper back or forearms is touched with a small toothpick-like medical device coated with a specific allergen. If your immune system recognizes a particular substance as a problem, it will form a small bump or hive in that area indicating that you possess allergic antibodies to that substance.

Intra-dermal Skin Testing

This method is typically reserved for adults and older children and is used when the skin prick test to environmental allergens is negative (nonreactive). It involves the application of allergens into a slightly deeper layer of skin. This test has the advantage of detecting allergic antibodies that were not detected by skin prick testing.

First, you should feel comfortable that in the clear majority of people, allergy testing is very well tolerated. There are some side effects that you should be aware of. The most common reaction is minor itching, redness and localized swelling at the site of testing. These symptoms typically resolve within one-to-two hours.

Other side effects may include itching (of your eyes, nose, and throat), runny nose, hives, and in rare instances low blood pressure and shock. Again, these are rare situations and our staff is appropriately trained to help a patient with those types of reactions.

Of course, avoidance of the culprit allergen is the most important treatment for allergies. Allergy medications are often used when avoidance of your allergen(s) is not possible or practical. The most effective long-term treatment for many people with allergies is allergy shots (also known as allergen immunotherapy). The goal of allergen immunotherapy is to retrain your immune system to become tolerant to your specific allergens and then stop reacting to them. The result is less allergic symptoms and decreased need for medications.

We have 4 offices throughout Jacksonville — we offer allergy shots and testing at each of our locations:

St. Johns Town Center
2804 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S.
Suite 202
Jacksonville, FL 32246

Orange Park
1825 Kingsley Ave
Suite 320
Orange Park, FL 32073

Mandarin
12276 San Jose Blvd.
Suite #73
Jacksonville, FL 32223

Dunn Ave.
2255 Dunn Ave.
Suite 205
Jacksonville, FL 32218

Yes. When you become allergic to an allergen, your body creates special antibodies to fight against it. These allergic antibodies are called IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are formed in the bone marrow and travel in the bloodstream before being deposited in the skin and other tissues where they remain for weeks to months. IgE antibodies tell your cells to release histamine and other chemicals that cause the classic allergy symptoms when you are exposed to the allergen.

Although allergy skin tests are considered the gold standard for allergy testing, blood testing can also be used to measure IgE antibodies circulating in your bloodstream at the time the blood drawn. Like allergy skin tests, allergy blood tests typically screen for common allergies such as grasses, trees, weeds, dust, pet dander, and molds. Blood tests can also be helpful in diagnosing food allergies.

There are three main ways to get tested for allergies:

1. Skin Tests – Skin tests are commonly used to identify many potential allergens, including airborne, food-related, and contact allergens. The three types of skin tests are: scratch/prick tests, intradermal tests and patch tests.
2. Blood Tests – If you are not a candidate for an allergy skin test, your allergist may suggest a blood test. Your blood is drawn and tested in a laboratory for the presence of allergen-fighting (IgE) antibodies. This can be successful in detecting antibodies to major allergens. Results typically take up to one week to return.
3. Elimination Diet – To detect which foods are causing an allergic reaction, your allergist may recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet and adding them back in later. Any reactions could help determine which foods are causing problems.

The skin prick or scratch test and intradermal test may cause slight discomfort. If you are sensitive to any of the allergens being tested, your skin may itch where the allergen was placed.