Allergy Skin Testing in Jasper, GA

Dr. Raza Mahmood and the compassionate medical staff at Mountainside Pediatrics help many child patients manage allergies. Allergy skin testing is one way we identify allergens your child has reactions to. When you know what your child is allergic to you can help protect them and teach them how to avoid allergens. Keep reading about how we test your child for allergies, and contact us today to schedule a test.

Allergies

Allergies result from the immune system overreacting to a foreign substance that is typically harmless. Common allergens that can surge seasonally are environmental, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold. These typically cause hay fever symptoms and can be managed with allergy medications.

However, your child can also have an allergic reaction to insect bites, chemicals, medications, and foods. These allergens can cause dangerous and potentially deadly reactions. We provide allergy skin testing in Jasper, GA, as a safe way to test what your child is allergic to so you can help them make lifestyle adjustments to avoid allergens and stay healthy.

The Allergy Skin Testing Process

You may have heard of the "skin prick" testing method for allergies. Despite the nickname, the skin test is a relatively painless process for your child and does not involve a needle. During a test:

1. A nurse cleans the patch of skin to be used (usually on the back or arms)
2. A safe amount of the allergen is placed on the skin
3. The testing device makes small, invisible scratches to introduce the allergen to the skin. Your doctor may circle or number the marks on the body to identify the reaction.
4. After a waiting period of 15 to 20 minutes, the skin is examined for reactions like raised patches of skin, redness, and itchiness. Your doctor records the reactions and can diagnose an allergy so it appears on your child's medical records.

Get Tested Now

If your child has never been tested for allergies, an allergy skin test could help them avoid potentially deadly allergic reactions. Mountainside Pediatrics can help your child manage any allergies they test positive for. Contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Mahmood for allergy skin testing in Jasper, GA, at (706) 253-9898.