Skin Prick Test: What to Expect & Why It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
If you’ve never been to an Allergy & Immunology specialist, you might be wondering:
💭 What exactly is a skin prick test?
💭 Does it hurt?
💭 Is there an actual needle involved?
The name “prick” test sounds intimidating—like a sharp needle will penetrate your skin—but the reality is much gentler! The truth? It feels more like a scratch.
In fact, the test is done using a special tool called an allergy pricker, designed to lightly scratch the skin’s surface without causing deep penetration or pain. Most patients describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable at most.
👉 Watch the video below to see how it’s done!
Fast, Accurate Allergy Testing in Just 15 Minutes
A skin prick test is one of the most effective and efficient ways to identify allergies. Here’s how it works:
✔ The test is done on either the forearm or the back, depending on how many allergens need to be tested.
✔ A small drop of each allergen is placed on the skin.
✔ The allergy pricker gently scratches the skin’s surface, allowing the allergen to enter.
✔ You may feel a cold drop and a slight scratch, but the discomfort is minimal.
✔ Hold still and avoid touching the test area for the next 15 minutes while we monitor the reaction.
✔ After 15 minutes, we measure and record the results.
This quick and reliable test provides immediate insights into what may be triggering your allergies.
Do You Need to Stop Medication Before a Skin Prick Test?
One of the most common questions we get is whether you should stop taking antihistamines or other medications before a skin prick test.
📌 Here’s what you need to know:
We do not ask new patients to stop any medication before their first visit. That’s because:
1️⃣ We need a full consultation to determine if a skin prick test is even necessary.
2️⃣ Stopping certain medications without medical supervision can be unsafe.
3️⃣ Different testing methods may be recommended based on your medical history and symptoms.
Before making any changes to your medication, consult with the Allergy & Immunology Clinic Team to ensure your safety and get the best allergy testing approach for your needs.
🔹 Want to know more about skin prick tests? Click [here] to learn about the allergy pricker and how it works.
🔹 Wondering which medications to stop before allergy testing? Find out [here].
Why Come to The Allergy Immunology Clinic?
If you’re ready to take control of your allergies, schedule a consultation at our Allergy & Immunology Clinic today!
