ALLERGY TESTING

Helping patients find allergy relief in Chesterfield and Henrico, VA

Allergy testing

ALLERGY TREATMENT AT VITALCARE

VitalCare Family Practice of Chesterfield and Henrico, VA is pleased to offer allergy testing for patients with seasonal allergies, environmental allergies and food allergies. Our providers will administer “scratch” skin testing for the 72 most common allergens, including food and environmental allergens, to help identify the specific trigger that is causing you problems.

Our providers at VitalCare Family Practice will use the data gathered from an allergy test to develop an allergy treatment plan that includes avoiding triggers and using medications to reduce allergy symptoms. Get the answers that you need in order to take control of your allergies today.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ALLERGY TESTING

Are you tired of suffering from seasonal allergies? An allergic response occurs when your immune system overreacts to something in your environment like pollen. Some people are so highly sensitive to seasonal/environmental allergies that it can impact their quality of life. While a runny nose or sneezing is tolerable for a day, seasonal allergies can last up to 3 months. VitalCare Family Practice is here to help!

SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Spring and Fall are the times of the year when allergies tend to affect people the most. The range and severity of symptoms are unique to each person. Some common symptoms of allergies include:

  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Sore or itchy throat

With the right treatment, people suffering from allergies can manage their symptoms for the season. VitalCare Family Practice can help you identify your allergens through allergy testing. If you are interested in learning more about allergy testing, call (804) 256-8282.

HOW ALLERGY TESTING CAN HELP YOU

There are three main types of allergens that can cause an allergic reaction: inhaled allergens, ingested allergens and contact allergens. An example of an inhaled allergen is pollen which can cause a reaction in the mucus membranes of the nose and throat.

Peanuts, tree nuts and seafood are among the top food allergens which should be strictly avoided if you are allergic as they can cause a more serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Contact allergens must come into contact with the skin to produce a reaction like poison ivy or poison oak.

Knowing your triggers can help you avoid the discomfort associated with allergic reactions or allergies. VitalCare Family Practice is dedicated to helping you identify the allergens that affect you.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SCRATCH SKIN TEST

To ensure that your allergy testing is the most accurate, you will need to stop taking all over-the-counter allergy medicines approximately 5-7 days before your test date. This way when the allergen is placed on your skin, a true result will appear.

  • On the day of your allergy testing, your back will be cleansed with an alcohol wipe and the skin will be gently pricked with a special tool that contains the allergen.
  • You will be closely monitored to see how your skin reacts to the allergens.
  • After approximately 15 minutes, our provider will come check your skin and measure your reactions.

The reactions can be localized redness, swelling or a hive and itchiness. The measurement of your reaction will help determine how sensitive you are to a specific allergen.

After your allergens are identified, VitalCare Family Practice will work with you to help you avoid them or manage them in the case of seasonal allergies. Some people may choose to seek immunotherapy to help reduce the symptoms of allergies and VitalCare Family Practice is happy to refer you to an allergist/immunologists.