FINDING THE CULPRIT

Although the word “scratch” may conjure up fears of bleeding and pain, scratch tests used to identify allergies neither neither draw blood nor cause pain.  These tests are commonly used by allergists to check for skin reactions to common allergy-provoking substances such as dust mites, pet dander, foods, molds, and grasses.  A tiny drop of a concentrated liquid form of the allergen is placed on the skin.  Then the allergist uses a small, pointed lancet and scratches the outer layer of skin tissue containing the drop to force the allergen in.  This same procedure is repeated using a new lancet for each of the allergens tested.  Test areas that develop red wheals (circular bumps) after fifteen minutes indicate allergic reactions.

P.S.  Wheals can be itchy like mosquito bites but usually go away within a day or two.  The allergist may suggest using a topical steroid or an oral antihistamine to calm the allergic reaction.

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