Indoor allergens are more popular now than ever before. This includes allergy to cats and dogs, but also to other pollutants such as mould or chemicals used for washing and cleaning.
If you are having any symptoms that you think might be caused by your pets or indoor environment, we can do skin prick allergy testing to any number of suspected allergens. The skin prick test results are available on the day and the whole process takes around 60 minutes.
Skin prick testing is effective, safe and the gold standard in allergy testing in the UK.
Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms that may indicate you have an allergy include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy or watery red eyes
- Hives, wheals or urticaria, including generalised skin itchiness.
- Shortness of breath or more of difficulty breathing
Note that the above list is not exhaustive and if worried, you should discuss with either your GP or get in touch with us to book an allergy test.
Understand Indoor Allergens
While pets are beloved family members in our households, their hair and dander can cause significant allergies if sensitive.
Cats and dogs shed tiny flakes of skin along with their hair. This is a natural process that happens with the majority of breeds. There are however certain breeds less likely to shed. These are often deemed to be “hypoallergenic”.
This shedding can trigger a cascade of reactions, which may lead to a full-on allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Additionally, mould spores, which thrive in damp environments, can also become airborne and inhaled, leading to allergic symptoms.
Household chemicals, including those found in detergents, washing up liquids and other and cleaning agents, can also contribute to a spectrum of allergic reactions.
The Skin Prick Allergy Testing Process
At Holistic Allergy, we offer comprehensive skin prick allergy testing to accurately identify your specific allergens.
Here are the steps usually involved in establishing what you may be allergic to:
- Consultation: Our initial consultation involves discussing your symptoms and medical history to identify potential allergens.
- Skin Prick Testing: This is the bulk of the consultation in terms of investigations. Small amounts of suspected allergen extracts are introduced to your skin via a gentle ‘prick’. This is minimally invasive and typically well-tolerated by patients of all ages.
- Observation: We closely monitor your skin’s reaction to each allergen. A positive reaction usually appears as a raised, red bump, similar to a mosquito bite.
- Results: Results from the skin prick test are available on the same day. The entire process, including consultation, testing, and result interpretation, takes about 60 minutes.
Allergy Management After Testing
Upon identifying your specific allergens, we will provide you with personalised advice and onward management plan. This may include:
- Avoidance Strategies: Tips on reducing exposure to identified allergens in your home and environment.
- Medication: Recommendations for over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate symptoms. This usually involves antihistamines.
- Environmental Changes: Guidance on how to modify your home to reduce allergen presence, such as air filters, hypoallergenic bedding, or changes in cleaning products.
- Follow-up Care: We offer ongoing support and follow-up appointments to adjust your management plan as needed.
