8 Quick Facts About Food Allergy Skin Tests

Skin tests are a common way doctors identify food allergies; especially so for small children who are either:​​​​​​​​
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👉🏼 More likely to have a food allergy.​​​​​​​​
✋🏾 Already suspected of having a mild food reaction.​​​​​​​​
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Yet skin tests are typically not the choice for anyone who's had a severe anaphylactic reaction. In those cases, blood work may be done instead. 🩸​​​​​​​​
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While the process of skin testing can sound intimidating, the more you know, the less scary it becomes! In fact, it's pretty straightforward and, in most cases, over very quickly, like 10 minutes or less! 😊 ⏱​​​​​​​​
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Here's the typical skin test process:​​​​​​​​
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1️⃣ The allergist selects a large portion of skin, typically the back but sometimes the forearm.​​​​​​​​
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2️⃣ Different allergens are placed just below the surface of the skin.​​​​​​​​
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3️⃣ The waiting begins! During this period, the skin may become irritated.​​​​​​​​
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4️⃣ The spots where each allergen was placed are examined to determine which (if any) caused an exaggerated histamine reaction. Where there was a reaction, there is a probability of an allergy to the allergen samples.​​​​​​​​
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And that's usually it. You did it! 🎉​​​​​​​​
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Results from a skin test can lead to:​​​​​​​​
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👏🏿 Confirmation that potential allergens have been eliminated as a concern, at least for now.​​​​​​​​
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🙌🏻 Assurance more info is coming soon if a blood test was ordered.​​​​​​​​
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💪🏽 A confirmed food allergy diagnosis.​​​​​​​​
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We hope this helps you feel more confident & calm with food allergy skin testing. Allergic reactions can be stressful and really scary. Making them easier for you to navigate matters. So if you have questions or a story to share, we're here for you. 💞​​​​​​​​
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