Dr. Manav Segal, a board certified allergist, demonstrates how he skin tests to identify environmental (seasonal) or food allergies.
He uses plastic prongs. The tip of each tip is dipped in a solution for each allergen. Plastic prongs scratch the surface of the skin.
When allergy cells in the skin (mast cells) are activated by the allergen the skin will become red raised and itchy. Typically this will occur within 15 minutes.
This process can help identify allergic triggers.
Hopefully this video helps you understand the process of skin testing and alleviates any anxiety about testing.
