How can I tell if I have allergies?

An allergy specialist is recommended for those patients with moderate to severe allergy symptoms throughout most of the year. Once you or your physician has decided your allergies require further evaluation, The EVMS Allergy Division offers allergy testing by appointment.

Allergy testing can be performed through a skin prick test or by a blood test. In the skin prick test a small amount of a possible allergen is placed on the skin and a series of needle pricks allows the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red, raised itchy area, it usually means the person is allergic to that specific allergen.

Blood tests look for antibodies in the blood and are usually for people who are not able to have skin tests.