### What to Expect from Different Types of Skin Tests for Allergies To find out what you're allergic to, doctors use skin tests. These tests involve applying common allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and foods to your skin. If you're allergic, your skin will react, usually with a rash or itching. Here are the main types of skin tests: 1. **Scratch Test (Puncture or Prick Test):** - The doctor cleans your forearm or back with alcohol. - They mark and label areas on your skin. - A drop of a potential allergen is placed on each marked spot. - The outer layer of your skin is scratched to let the allergen in. - This test doesn't involve needles and won't make you bleed. 2. **Intradermal Test:** - The doctor cleans your skin. - A small amount of allergen is injected just under your skin. 3. **Patch Test:** - An allergen is placed on a patch. - The patch is stuck on your arm or back. - You wear the patch for about 48 hours. ### Appointment Duration - Plan for an hour-long appointment. - Scratch and intradermal tests take about 5 to 10 minutes, plus a 15-minute wait to see the reaction. - Patch tests require two visits and take more time. ### Before the Test - Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking. - Some drugs can affect the results, so you may need to avoid them before the test. - Avoid allergy medicines like OTC antihistamines for a few days before the test. ### After the Test - The doctor will clean any extracts and ink marks off your skin. - You might need a mild cortisone cream to ease itching. - If you had a patch test, avoid getting the area wet until your follow-up visit. ### Safety - Skin tests are usually mildly irritating but not painful. - Whole-body reactions are rare, but inform your doctor if you feel unwell. Your doctor will use the test results to create a treatment plan for you.