Skin Testing Specialist
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Two River Allergy and Asthma Group
Jun Yang, MD
Allergy & Immunology Practice & Allergist serving Tinton Falls, Middletown Township, Holmdel, and Coltsneck, NJ
Allergies are a common chronic health condition affecting 50 million children and adults in the United States. Though symptoms vary from mild to severe, the most important part of allergy treatment is avoiding the substance that causes symptoms. Dedicated to providing patients the information they need to improve health and alleviate symptoms, board-certified allergist and immunologist, Jun Yang, MD, at Two River Allergy and Asthma Group, offers skin testing for allergies. To schedule a consultation, contact the office in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, by phone or online today.
Skin Testing
What is skin testing?
At Two River Allergy and Asthma Group, Dr. Yang offers skin testing to identify the underlying cause of your allergy symptoms. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a substance it considers harmful.
When you touch, inhale, or eat the “harmful” substance, called an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers chemicals in your body that cause the allergic reaction. Though symptoms vary from person to person, knowing the allergen responsible for your symptoms can help you gain control over your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Two River Allergy and Asthma Group, Dr. Yang uses skin testing so he can design an effective treatment plan for his allergy patients.
Am I a good candidate for skin testing?
Dr. Yang determines if you’re a good candidate for skin testing during a consultation. He primarily offers the skin test for airborne, insect, and food allergens.
You may not be a good candidate for skin testing if you’ve had a severe life-threatening reaction, anaphylaxis, to an allergen, or you have severe eczema or hives.
How do I prepare for skin testing?
If Dr. Yang thinks skin testing is beneficial for you, he provides specific instructions on how to prepare for your test, so you get the best results. In general, you should refrain from using antihistamines for at least 5-7 days prior to your skin testing appointment.
What happens during skin testing?
Skin testing at Two River Allergy and Asthma Group is a painless diagnostic test that occurs under close supervision. During your test, Dr. Yang uses a tiny plastic device to apply small amounts of solutions that contain different allergens to your skin with a small scratch (or skin prick).
A raised area at the site of the skin prick is a positive reaction. However, a positive reaction may not mean you’re allergic to that allergen. Dr. Yang takes many factors into consideration when identifying the source of your allergic reaction.
If Dr. Yang suspects an allergen that doesn’t show up during your skin testing, he repeats the test using a very small needle and injects a small amount of the allergen into the first layer of your skin. If positive, it will look and feel like a mosquito bite.
The entire test takes 15-20 minutes. You may experience itching after your skin testing, but these side effects resolve quickly.
What is patch testing?
Not all allergic reactions occur immediately, such as those that cause contact dermatitis. Dr. Yang offers patch testing to identify allergens that cause a delayed reaction.
During your patch testing, he places a safe chemical patch test panel on your back using tape. He leaves it in place for two days and has you return to the office for an initial reading and then again for a second reading 3-4 days later.
To learn more about skin testing, call Two River Allergy and Asthma Group, or request an appointment online today.
