Skin Allergy Evaluation and Treatment- Allergy/Immunology, Pediatrics

Doctors: Dermatologist, Allergist

What is skin allergy?

Skin may develop irritation due to various factors such as medicines, infections and immune system disorders. If an allergen is triggering an immune system response, then it is called an allergic skin condition. Eczema, atopic contact dermatitis, hives, angioedema etc. are various types of skin allergies.

Evaluation:

Following tests are done to diagnose the skin allergy:

• The TRUE Test:  It is a pre-packaged set of three panels which gets fixed on the patient’s back. Each panel consists of 12 patched with samples of possible allergens. Patient is asked to keep them on the back for 2 days. After 2 days, the panels are removed and any signs of allergy are examined. Sometimes patient does not develop reaction in 2 days. It may take up to 10 days for some reactions to develop.
• Patch Test: In patch test, patches with different allergens are placed on the skin for 48 hours. After 48 hours, the patches are removed and test area is observed. he final evaluation is done anywhere from 72 to 96 hours. Irritated skin at the patch site might indicate an allergy.
• The ROAT Test: This test is done if patient has a mild reaction in patch test. Patient can do this test without any doctor’s help. During this test, patient is asked to apply specific allergen at the same site every day for several days. This test helps to find out the specific substance responsible for skin allergy.

Treatment:

Avoiding contact with any possible allergen is the best approach. Antihistamines, oatmeal baths, cold compresses, hydrocortisone cream, and ointments like calamine lotion are generally recommended.

References:

• https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
• https://www.webmd.com/allergies/skin-allergies#2

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