Allergies can be a cause of great discomfort and annoyance to many people. Here at Eastlink Family Medical, we strive to make allergy testing and subsequent treatments more accessible and affordable to those who need it.
The doctors at Eastlink Family Medical can help you to identify the cause of your allergies with skin prick testing, relieve the symptoms and manage future flareups. We have no long wait times for appointments, we do not require a referral and you will have access to immediate results.
What is Skin Prick Testing?
Skin Prick Testing (SPT) is a common, widely practiced test to assess for immediate allergic reactions such as:
- Skin rashes – such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or hives (urticaria)
- Swelling (angioedema)
- Sneezing and runny nose – or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Teary, red itchy eyes – or allergic conjunctivitis
- Wheeze or cough
PLEASE NOTE:
Skin prick testing is not suitable for everyone and all allergy types, and each patient needs to be assessed on an individual basis.
For some patients, we would recommend that you be seen or managed by the guidance of a Specialist allergist.
We are unable to perform skin prick testing on children under 2y.o or people with a history of anaphylaxis within our clinic.
SPT helps to reduce your symptoms and medication needs by identifying the causes of your allergic symptoms such as cat, house dust mite, a species of grass pollen, or a specific food.
This type of allergy testing is easily tolerated and provides minimal discomfort, though you may feel a bit prickly!
Is it safe?
Skin prick testing is a safe procedure with minimal discomfort. SPT carries very low risk of serious side effects and provides high quality information to your doctor.
In testing, small amounts of allergen are introduced into the superficial skin layer and interact with your immune cells.
If you are positive to the allergen, it will lead to wheal-and-flare reaction peaking after approximately 15 minutes, which usually resolves within 2 - 48 hours.
Why Skin Prick Testing?
Skin Prick Testing is the most common and accurate allergy test available.
SPT helps to reduce your symptoms and medication needs by identifying the causes of your allergic symptoms such as cat, house dust mite, a species of grass pollen, or a specific food.
What happens in my appointment?
Initially, you’ll have a conversation with your doctor about what allergies you think you might have and what you think might be triggering them. After deciding together what allergens you would like to test for (we have over 60 different allergens!) the doctor will prick your skin with the allergens, and after only 15 minutes, the results will be available. The doctor will go through these results with you and explain what they mean.
The whole appointment takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after my appointment?
Once you’ve completed your allergy test, your doctor will go through the results with you and give you a copy to take home. They will also advise you what treatment options are available. Learn more about these options by reading on below.
PLEASE NOTE:
If there are any other aspects of your allergies you would like to discuss with a doctor, or if you would like to have a discussion before proceeding with Skin Prick Testing, please book a general consultation with a doctor during the week prior to proceeding with the Skin Prick Testing.
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About Your Allergies
Allergies can present themselves in a variety of ways and are different for everyone. Although most people can agree, they can be very irritating. Some symptoms include:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- red, watery and itchy eyes
- wheeze or persistent cough
- breathing problems
- swelling of lips, face, eyes
- swelling tongue and tightness of throat
- headache
- skin rash
Please keep in mind these symptoms are not always due to allergies and we recommend seeing your doctor to discuss further as the first point of call.
A variety of different things can set off your allergies, including aeroallergens such as dusts or pollen and some foods. Common allergens include:
- food – such as crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts (for example, almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts), sesame and soy products
- plants – pollen from grasses and plants
- moulds – such as mushroom and mould spores
- animal dander – such as the fur and skin flakes from domestic pets such as cats and dogs
- other allergens may also cause flare-ups of your allergies, but unfortunately, we are only able to test for the types of allergens listed above.
There are several different options available for managing and treating your allergies. We recommend you see your doctor for further advice. The information below is general and may not be applicable for every setting:
Oral Antihistamines
Non-sedating oral antihistamines are effective for most symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watering eyes, itchy nose. They have a fast onset of action, so they can be used as required for intermittent symptoms. They can also be used regularly for persistent symptoms
Sedating oral antihistamines are not currently recommended for treatment of hay fever, particularly for children as it can affect school performance
Intranasal Antihistamines
Nasal antihistamines have a faster onset than oral antihistamines. They are more effective than oral antihistamines for nasal blockages. However, they are less effective for other hay fever symptoms
Intranasal Corticosteroids
Intranasal corticosteroids do not provide immediate relief of symptoms, but instead take a few days of consistent use for symptom-relief to begin. They are useful for moderate to severe hay fever symptoms. They are more effective than antihistamines, however, they require good technique and adherence to be effective.
How to correctly use a nasal spray
- If the spray device is new or has not been used for more than a few days, prime the device according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Shake the bottle
- Clear the nasal passages first by gently blowing your nose (or you can use a saline rinse to clear your nose and wait for 10 minutes before using the spray)
- Bend your neck forward and look down
- Put the nozzle just inside the nose, aiming towards the outer wall of the nose and the ear, away from the middle or the top of the nose. You should use your right hand for the left nostril and your left hand for the right nostril. This reduces the amount of spray deposited on the wall that separates your nostrils
- When you press to spray, sniff gently at the same time – sniffing too hard can make the liquid go straight down the throat
- If you are using more than one spray, wait 10 minutes between sprays
All Information has been sourced from reputable sources
Better Health Channel, 2022, ‘Allergies Explained’ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/allergies
Therapeutic Guidelines, 2022, ‘Intranasal Corticosteroids’, ‘Antihisthamines’ & ‘Approach to Management of Allergic Rhinitis’
Book Your Appointment
To book a Skin Check Appointment, please call 03 9088 8822 or book via our Online Booking System.