Many individuals undergo allergy skin testing on a yearly basis in order to determine the substances responsible for triggering the manifestation of the allergy symptoms. It is important to note that allergy testing is typically done by injecting small amounts of potential allergens into the skin. This test is usually done in the clinic so that the side effects and severe reactions can be quickly managed. Most of the side effects of allergy skin testing lasts for only a short period and have no lasting effects but in rare cases, severe side effects can occur. By enrolling in a course on first aid today, you are prepared to handle both minor and severe reactions.
Itchiness
If an individual is allergic to a certain substances, the scratched area or site of injection becomes very itchy. Since the itchiness can help diagnose an allergic response, antihistamines which minimize the immune response such as itching must not be taken by the individual up to 10 days before allergy testing. There are also some anti-depressants and medications for heartburn that can disrupt with the test results and must not be taken. After the allergy skin testing, cortisone cream can be applied over the itchy areas as well as take an oral antihistamine to reduce the inflammation.
Pain
In most cases of allergy skin testing, it will only cause brief pain once a small-sized scratch is made but if the allergens are injected beneath the skin which is called as intradermal testing; it can cause a certain degree of discomfort.
When it comes to intradermal dilutional testing, it requires several sticks in order to determine the level of sensitivity to certain allergens. This can cause a certain degree of discomfort.
Hives
Hives are the elevated, red-colored, itchy welts that appear and feel like mosquito bites. They appear at the site if the individual is allergic to a certain substance. Hives typically manifest within 20 minutes after the allergy skin test and disappear within a few hours but can manifest several hours after the testing and take up to 24-48 hours to vanish. If the bump is big in size, the individual is more sensitive to the specific substance.
Anaphylaxis
In rare circumstances, a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis can develop during allergy skin testing. The individual will develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, nausea, vomiting and feelings of panic and followed by loss of consciousness and even death in rare cases.
Hives can manifest all over the body. This severe reaction typically occurs within minutes after the allergen is injected. Remember that this is a medical emergency that entails the administration of an injectable epinephrine so that the individual can breathe. Medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids are also given to minimize the immune response.