Allergy Skin Testing

About Allergy Skin Testing

Allergy skin testing can help identify the “cause” of your symptoms. By identifying your symptom triggers, we can take steps to reduce your symptoms and medications needs. Allergy skin tests can also open the door to effective treatment options such as allergen immunotherapy when appropriate.

Preparing for Skin Testing

• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Stop using antihistamines before skin testing. Drugs such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin and Benadryl need to be stopped 5 days before your skin test. Many over the counter allergy and cold medications, such as Dimetapp, Triaminic, Tylenol PM and others contain antihistamines and also should be stopped for the same amount of time. If you are not sure if your medication contains antihistamines, ask us or your pharmacist for advice.
• Clarinex should be stopped for at least one week before your skin test.
• Some medications for nausea, heartburn/reflux, depression, anxiety, and insomnia may affect your skin test. Ask us if there are questions–some of these medications may not be safely stopped without a doctor’s assistance/supervision.
• If you take Beta blockers (heart/blood pressure medication), please contact our office before scheduling a skin test.
• Do not stop your asthma medications (inhalers, Singulair). We will not be able to perform the skin test if your asthma is not well controlled.

If you have any concerns or questions before skin testing, please discuss them with one of our physicians or staff.
As always, our ultimate concern is your safety and comfort.