How to identify the allergens causing skin allergy? - Dr. Sachith Abraham

Among the externally induced skin allergies, the common causes are generally metal allergies or dye allergy. These can be particularly done by a test called as patch test. Put a patch in the back, which has around 25 to 30 common allergens in India and the patch is kept for 48 to 72 hours. Patch is removed faster 72 hours and readings can be taken, where we can identify what are the external contact allergens, the person is allergic to. There are 5000 causes for allergy. It is difficult to identify and pinpoint the exact cause for each and every allergen. But common allergens can be identified. Food allergies usually manifest as hives and urticaria. For this we do a test called as skin prick testing. We take small intradermal injections to the skin with different common allergens the food allergens, or pollen antigens and the reaction is read after 15 to 20 minutes and severe allergies may cause big wheel and flare reaction. These are the common types of tests we do to identify an allergic reactions.