Allergy Testing - What To Expect

I've always have problems with blocked nasal passages so my ENT arranged an allergy test. It was also helpful with my crazy eczema/hives outbreak. 

I had the test done privately at London Bridge Hospital and it was an interesting experience. Even the consultant (as they call specialist doctors in the UK) was surprised that I took photos of the process. I suspected allergies to certain things for years and it satisfying to get proof.

First numbered tape was put on the underside of my forearm and he put a drop of allergen on my skin. Then with a new lancet on each drop, he scratched the skin so there would be contact with blood. It's not as scary as it sounds but it's not exactly comfortable either. There's wasn't any bleeding. 

Almost immediately I noticed itchy swelling on number 12 and he said it was histamine. "Ahhhh, that must be the control!" I said and he seemed impressed that I used the right terminology, thanks to science-fan Grant's influence. He wiped away the allergens and I had to wait 15 minutes for the reactions to come through.

I could already see and feel "mosquito bites". Just a warning I'm about to show you what my arm looked like with the reactions!

So I'm allergic to silver birch pollen, grass pollen, dustmites and cat hair.

The grass pollen and cat hair is of no surprise. I always come out with a rash when my skin comes in contact with those things. And my eczema flares up too.

As for the dustmites and silver birch pollen, that explains the hayfever. The only things I can really avoid are cats and dustmites. Luckily we don't have carpet at home although it does get very dusty.

I can't say I'm surprised by the results. But who would have thought to test these things thirty odd years ago. Throughout my childhood I played on grass and always had itchy legs-so much suffering could have been avoided!

After the test I was supposed to wait another 20 minutes before I was free to go. Since I had hydrocortisone cream in my handbag, I put it on and was allowed to leave. Maybe that's a tip for anyone who's doing an allergy test, to bring some antihistamine cream so you don't have to wait it out before leaving.