nani
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| Fri Oct 21, 2005 3:27 am The Scoop on Skin Testing |
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The Scoop on Skin Testing
While common types of allergies can be confirmed with skin testing, many people may not realize how and why skin testing is used, or they might think that this procedure is painful and inconvenient. In truth, skin testing is now more accurate than ever, and it doesn't have to be painful.
Skin testing involves the use of allergens — substances that provoke an allergic response. These might be types of pollen found in your area, or dust mites, mold, cockroach debris, animal hair, or food. An extract of one or several of these common allergens is placed just beneath the surface of the skin. After a certain amount of time has elapsed, a person who is sensitive to a substance will develop a red, raised bump where the extract was placed.
Remember, a positive skin test by itself does not confirm that the particular substance is causing your symptoms. Your doctor will also use the results of a physical examination to make a determination. |
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