Hi doc, how is allergy testing done? Could you tell me more about hypo sensitization or Desensitization?
Nice to see someone interested in knowing about allergy and hypo sensitization. Allergy testing is used to identify an allergen. Skin testing is the most common method used to determine an allergen, because several allergens can be tested safely at the same time. Allergy testing is not a treatment, nor is it always accurate. You can also find out the allergen yourself in the daily life to the foods, perfumes, or the atmosphere that triggers the allergic reaction to you. Hypo sensitization is one of the two methods of treatment of allergy.  Hypo sensitization, or desensitization, involves injections of tiny amounts of the known allergen. The amount of the allergen is gradually increased per injection until you are able to tolerate exposure to the allergen with only mild symptoms. Hypo sensitization takes 3 - 6 months to begin to work, and it is usually continued for 3 - 5 years. It is expensive and provides varying degrees of success, depending on the condition. Hypo sensitization usually begins when maximum avoidance and medical therapy is unsuccessful, and the allergic condition is interfering with your life, such as causing you to miss many days of school, work, etc., or requiring many emergency room visits for care.