Allergy Testing

Chronic rashes, eczema that will not settle, hand dermatitis in cooks and beauticians, hair-dye reactions, jewellery rashes — most have a hidden trigger that you cannot identify by guesswork. Allergy testing at Orange Skin Clinic, Tirunelveli, gives you a precise answer rather than years of trial-and-error.

We offer two main types. Patch testing identifies delayed contact allergens — substances that cause eczema 24–96 hours after skin contact. We use the Indian Standard Series of 30+ allergens (nickel, fragrances, rubber, hair dye PPD, preservatives, plant antigens), and additional series for specific occupations — hairdressers, leather workers, mechanics, dental staff. Patches are applied to the upper back, kept dry for 48 hours, and read at 48 and 96 hours.

Skin prick testing identifies immediate allergens (within minutes) — common causes of urticaria, allergic rhinitis and food allergies. A drop of allergen extract is placed on the forearm and gently pricked. Reactions are read in 15–20 minutes.

For patients in whom skin testing is not possible (severe eczema, antihistamine dependence), we use specific IgE blood testing as an alternative.

Results come with a personalised avoidance plan — many patients are surprised to learn the trigger is in their daily shampoo, leather watch, gold jewellery (it is usually nickel in the alloy), or workplace chemicals. Eliminating the cause often clears chronic eczema that has resisted years of creams.

If you have unexplained rashes, persistent hand dermatitis, or recurrent hives, search for allergy testing in Tirunelveli and book a structured workup with our dermatologist.