Skin Testing Specialist

Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center

Allergy and Immunology & Allergy & Asthma located in Kingsport, TN & Johnson City, TN

Allergies are common and one of the leading causes of chronic illness in the United States. Nearly 200,000 people visit the emergency room every year due to an allergic reaction. When it comes to managing allergies, it’s essential to know what you’re allergic to. The experienced team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee; and Abingdon, Virginia, which includes a leading physician in the field, Shailee Madhok, MD, offer skin testing to identify the source of your allergic reactions. To learn more about skin testing, contact the office by phone or online today.

Skin Testing Q&A

What is allergy skin testing?

Skin testing is an in-office diagnostic tool Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center offers that helps identify the substances responsible for your allergic reactions, also called allergens. The minimally invasive test is safe and provides quick results.

There are two types of skin testing:

Prick/puncture skin testing

During your prick/puncture skin testing, your provider uses a device to puncture your skin and administer a diluted dose of a suspected allergen.

Intradermal skin testing

During intradermal skin testing, your provider uses a needle to inject a diluted allergen under the surface of your skin.

The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center may first use the prick/puncture skin test, and if results are negative, perform the intradermal skin test.


Am I a good candidate for skin testing?

The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center determines if you’re a good candidate for skin testing during an allergy consultation. The team recommends the diagnostic test to assist in the diagnosis of:


  • Food allergies
  • Hay fever
  • Eczema
  • Allergic asthma
  • Latex allergy
  • Skin allergies
  • Insect allergy


Though considered a very safe diagnostic test, the team may suggest other methods of allergy testing if you have a history of anaphylaxis or you take medication that may affect the results of your allergy skin testing. 


What happens during skin testing?

Your skin testing occurs at the office and usually takes less than an hour. During skin testing, your provider punctures or injects the diluted allergen in marked areas on your skin, usually on your arm or back. Your provider closely monitors you and your skin for a reaction.

It usually only takes about 15 minutes for your skin to react to the allergen. If you’re allergic to one of the tested substances, you develop a raised, red bump at the site of the injection, similar to a mosquito bite. 


What are skin allergies?

Skin allergies aren’t the same as skin testing. Skin allergies refer to allergic reactions that affect the skin. Common symptoms include:


  • Hives
  • Itchy skin
  • Blisters or bumps that leak fluid
  • Peeling, flaking, cracking skin
  • Rash


Skin allergies develop from many causes, including nickel, poison ivy, latex, or food. 

The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin allergies and may perform skin testing to identify the source of your allergic reaction.

To learn more about skin testing, contact Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center by phone or online today.