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ADDRESS THE SOURCE OF YOUR SYMPTOMS
Skin Allergies
Skin irritation, rashes, swelling or hives may be related to an allergy. Learn how a simple blood test can help identify potential allergy triggers to help diagnose and treat a skin allergy condition.
Skin allergy testing information for providers
Testing increases diagnostic confidence
Understand the underlying triggers of your patients’ symptoms and rule in—or rule out—an allergy as the cause. Allergic responses can develop to previously tolerated substances, and sensitization to seasonal and/or perennial allergens can often accumulate to trigger allergic symptoms.
Any patient presenting with eczema, contact dermatitis, or urticaria or other suspected skin allergy symptoms could be a candidate for specific IgE blood testing.
Along with a physical exam and patient history, specific IgE blood testing can help evaluate allergen sensitization, which may aid in the diagnosis of allergic disease and help you develop a comprehensive management plan for a skin allergy.1,2
The “Allergy March” and Eczema
Allergies can change over time. Some people will outgrow their allergies while other people can develop new allergies as they get older in a progression that is often called the “allergy march.”
Young children that have eczema (atopic dermatitis) are at a higher risk for progressing in the “allergy march.” Compared to children with non-atopic dermatitis (eczema that isn’t related to an allergy), they are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis and asthma.3,4
If eczema is diagnosed early enough in childhood—and treatment helps repair the affected skin—some research suggests that the “allergy march” for developing allergic rhinitis and asthma may be prevented.4
Labcorp can help meet your allergy needs
Contact a Labcorp representative to learn more about how we can help meet your allergy testing needs
Did you know?
70%
Up to 70% of infants and young children with eczema have an underlying allergy.5,6
80%
Up to 80% of patients with allergy-related acute urticaria (hives) are sensitized to more than one allergen.7
Skin allergy testing information for patients
Understand the source of your symptoms
If you’ve noticed one or more of the following symptoms—rash, itching, redness, swelling, raised bumps (hives), or scaling, flaking or cracked skin—you may have an allergic skin condition such as:
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Contact dermatitis
- Hives (urticaria)
Get answers from your primary care provider
An allergic skin condition can be caused by exposure to one or more of many different allergens—substances that cause an allergic reaction—such as pollen, food, certain metals, latex, pet dander, medications, plants and household products, among several others.
Your primary care provider can help identify your condition and create a personalized allergy action plan that improves your quality of life.
What to expect with a skin allergy test
Available at your primary care provider’s office, a specialist’s office or at a Labcorp patient service center, you can get a blood-based specific IgE allergy test that is:
- A convenient blood test
- Appropriate for anyone (age 3 months and older)
- Not affected by prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Can be performed regardless of your skin condition
Along with a medical exam and your healthcare history, your primary care provider or specialist can use the results of a skin allergy blood test to:
- Determine which allergens may trigger your skin condition
- Control your allergy symptoms
- Determine how to best manage allergy triggers
- Prescribe medication
Get answers about your skin allergy
References
- Duran-Tauleria E, Vignati G, Guedan MJ, et al. The utility of specific immunoglobulin E measurements in primary care. Allergy. 2004;59 (Suppl 78):35-41.
- Niggemann B, Nilsson M, Friedrichs F. Paediatric allergy diagnosis in primary care is improved by invitro allergen specific IgE testing. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2008;19:325-331.
- Ker J, Hartert TV. The atopic march: what's the evidence? Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009 Oct;103(4):282-9.
- Bantz SK, Zhu Z, Zheng T. The Atopic March: Progression from Atopic Dermatitis to Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2014 Apr;5(2):202.
- Spergel JM. Immunology and treatment of atopic dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2008;9(4):233-44.
- European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Global Atlas of Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis, 2015. https://www.allergique.org/IMG/Global_Atlas_of_Allergic_ENT.pdf Accessed 27 Sept 2022.
- Ciprandi G, Alesina R, Ariano R, et al. Characteristics of patients with allergic polysensitization: the POLISMAIL study. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;40(3):77-83.