Allergy Testing

[tiger104]

For two years I have had a rash that is all over my body, same colour as my skin, worse at some times, better at others, I am very sure i'm allergic to something I'm eating...Not changed wash powder etc.....

Can anyone recommend an allergy test and which one ? or is it just as simple as getting the doctor to sort it or refer me maybe ?

I have heard the blood allergy testing is not that reliable ? does anyone have any info at all
Thanks

[BagPussAA]

Your best bet is to ask the doctor to refer you for allergy testing at the hospital. Ones done in health food shops and blood tests are not at all reliable. I had one done at my local health food shop some years ago and they told me that I was not allergic to honey. I was diagnosed with this allergy as a baby and even carry an epi pen as it is very severe and could kill me. You can become allergic to something that you have been using for years so it may be your washing powder, deoderant, shower gel etc.

[CAJ1]

I have allergies to medicines, I went to hospital to have the blood tests. The consultant told me they weren't very good because they can only come back positive and negative but don't say how badly allergic you are or other things you might suffer allergies to. He said the skin tests are a more accurate way of doing it but they have to carry out the blood test first. I'm waiting on the skin test one at the moment

[Eve]

Some people can react to simple things such as water or certain fabrics or dyes.

Has your GP checked over the rash and checked in case it's a skin condition?

You could always ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

[Eve]

Some of these may help...

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/cont actdermatitis.htm

If very dry...

http://www.riseintlgroup.com/xerosis.html

[tiger104]

Hi thanks for everyones help, after lots of reading I have realised I have Dermographis and skin hives......the last 8 weeks it really calmed down, in the last week it has gone to its worse,only just clicked i have been taking hayfever tabs for hayfever for last 8 weeks, and its been helping my skin too ....stopped taking it a week ago...and its gobe bad .so glad i know what it is, I can literally draw a picture on my skin, leave 10 mins, and it rises into the picture i drew....dermographia and hive...thanks