Do Allergy Skin Tests Hurt? Comfort For Those Seeking Relief

We understand. You may not like needles, and the thought of a skin prick allergy test may make you uncomfortable…but you’ve tried over-the-counter medicines and can’t find relief from the itchiness, sneezing and runny nose that always appear during allergy season. You’re desperate for help. 

Do allergy skin tests hurt? Thankfully, you can still find relief from your symptoms, even if you’re uneasy around needles. 

We understand the unique needs of each of our patients, whether you’re nervous around needles or overwhelmed by trying to decide which hearing aid is right for you. Thankfully, after your skin prick allergy test, you can alleviate your symptoms without the series of “allergy shots.” We’ll delve into this in greater detail in this article, and you can schedule an appointment to learn more. 

Do Allergy Skin Tests Hurt?

The good news is that allergy skin tests may be a bit uncomfortable, but they do not hurt. The lancets used barely penetrate your skin. 

During the test, allergens are gently pricked into the surface of your skin. Afterward, we carefully monitor you to see which allergens cause a reaction. From there, we’ll work to develop a treatment plan.

What Does an Allergy Skin Test Feel Like?

Most of our patients have described the skin allergy test as feeling like a little prick. As mentioned earlier, this may cause discomfort, but it shouldn’t cause pain. 

If you are nervous about it, or if you experience pain, please let us know. Our goal is to serve you and to make the process as comfortable as possible. We’re always here for you to discuss any questions or concerns. 

Do Allergy Skin Tests Use Needles? 

Yes, they do, but they are very small lancets that cause minimal discomfort. These aren’t like the traditional needles used to draw blood for lab work.

Once we identify what you are allergic to, we can begin immunotherapy treatment. This treatment exposes your body to a diluted version of the allergen, desensitizing your body by allowing it to build up antibodies to the allergen. 

You may have heard this referred to as “allergy shots.” The good news is there’s another alternative if you don’t want to receive injections.

What Is Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment?

Sublingual immunotherapy treatment (SLIT) provides the same result as allergy shots, only instead of injections, the treatment is given under your tongue.

We’ll give you an amber glass bottle with a dropper. You’ll take the allergen extract and place drops under your tongue, hold them there for two minutes, and then swallow. Treatment typically involves taking the drops daily for three to four years, although we recognize that treatment duration may vary depending on your individual case. 

In addition to being “needle-free,” SLIT is also more convenient because you can receive treatment in your own home without having to come to our office. This means it can fit into your schedule, particularly if you travel a lot. SLIT is also a great choice for children who may be uneasy around shots. 

Want to know more about SLIT? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to give you the information you need to make an informed choice. 

Looking for Relief? For Comprehensive and Complete Allergy Treatment, Contact Raleigh Capitol ENT Today

Our board-certified physicians have all been recognized as leaders in their field, providing an extensive scope of services including the allergy treatment you need. See how we’ve helped thousands of Raleigh area residents get their lives back with year-round allergy relief. 

Schedule an appointment today.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.