Allergy Testing

If you feel miserable because of sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, it’s time to consider allergy testing at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey. At Feminine Urgicare, you get prompt testing and results identifying your allergies, allowing its experienced team to recommend personalized care that eases your symptoms. Feminine Urgicare welcomes walk-in patients, but you can also call the office nearest you or use online booking to schedule an appointment for allergy testing.

Why do I need allergy testing?

Allergy testing is the only way to verify whether allergies cause your symptoms and to identify your specific allergen. Targeting the allergen is essential for creating an effective treatment plan that relieves your symptoms.

What type of allergy testing will I need?

Your Feminine Urgicare provider begins by learning about your symptoms and when they occur, gathering information that may point to a different diagnosis or helps narrow down your potential allergens. Then, they perform a skin prick allergy test.

Skin prick testing is the first allergy test performed because it produces quick results and identifies most allergens. Your Feminine Urgicare provider places drops of suspected allergens on your forearm and makes a gentle scratch (prick) under each one, allowing the substance to get under your skin.

After 15 minutes, they check for skin reactions to each allergen. You’re allergic to that substance if a red bump appears.

You may need an intradermal skin test if your provider suspects you’re allergic to insect venom or penicillin or they need to verify the results of a skin prick test. During an intradermal skin test, they inject a tiny amount of allergen under your skin and watch for a reaction. 

What is contact allergy testing?

A contact allergy occurs when a substance activates an immune response after direct contact with your skin (which differs from localized skin irritation).

Feminine Urgicare identifies contact allergens like poison ivy, latex, and metals with patch testing. Your provider places potential allergens on a patch and puts the patch on your skin (usually on your back).

After wearing the patch for several days, you return to the office to see if any of the allergens caused a skin reaction. 

What happens after allergy testing?

After identifying your allergens, your Feminine Urgicare provider recommends a personalized treatment plan. The first line of treatment for most allergies includes a plan to avoid allergens (as much as possible) and over-the-counter or prescription medications to ease your symptoms.

If you have a severe allergic reaction or allergies to substances known to cause anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), your Feminine Urgicare provider refers you to an allergy specialist for advanced care.

Feminine Urgicare welcomes walk-in patients needing allergy testing; you can also call or use online booking to schedule an appointment.