An allergy skin test is a method to find out if you are allergic to specific substances. During the test, a small number of possible allergens (like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods) are applied to your skin. If you're allergic, you might notice a reaction such as redness or itching at the test site. This test can provide important information about your allergies so you can manage them effectively.
Here, we'll explore different types of allergy skin tests, reasons for testing, and provide an overview of the allergy skin test market, including regional trends and leading industry players.
Types of Allergy Skin Tests and How They're Performed:
- Prick Test: In this common test, a small drop of a potential allergen is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm, upper arm or back. Then, a tiny prick or scratch is made through the drop. If you're allergic, a small bump or redness will appear within 15 to 20 minutes.
- Intradermal Test: This test involves injecting a small amount of allergen just under the skin. It's more sensitive than the prick test and can be used if the prick test results are unclear. A reaction usually appears within 15 minutes.
- Patch Test: For this test, patches with different allergens are placed on the skin, often on the back, and left there for 48 hours. This test is useful for identifying skin allergies, such as contact dermatitis.
Why the Test is Performed:
Allergy tests help identify which substances are causing allergy symptoms.
A doctor might recommend allergy skin tests if you have:
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma: When these symptoms aren't well managed with medication.
- Hives and angioedema: Swelling and skin reactions.
- Food allergies: To diagnose allergies to specific foods (using the skin prick test).
- Skin rashes (dermatitis): Red, sore, or swollen skin after contact with a substance.
- Penicillin allergy: The only drug allergy tested safely using skin tests.
- Venom allergy: When someone reacts to insect stings.
Allergy Skin Test Market – Overview:
The skin allergy testing market is experiencing substantial growth due to the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide. According to BCC Research, the global market size is expected to grow from $560 million in 2023 to $771.5 million by the end of 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2028.