Preparing for Skin Testing

Learn more about preparing for skin testing

Avoid Antihistamines

Histamine, a chemical mediator produced by the body, is the main chemical that helps determine positive allergies during testing. Anti-histamines are a group of medications that block the effects of histamine in the body. Due to this action, allergy testing results will be inaccurate if this medication is present within your body. Antihistamines must be held prior to testing. If you have any questions as to whether or not a certain medication will interfere with your scheduled allergy testing please contact our office. Please notify our nursing staff of ALL current prescription and over-the-counter medications at the time of your testing.

Try to Arrive Early to Your Appointment

Due to the length of time (up to 2 hours) needed to complete your allergy testing, please make every effort to arrive for your appointment on time. Arriving late to your appointment may require the appointment to be rescheduled.

Consider Your Clothing, Short Sleeves Are Best

Allergy testing will be placed either on the inner forearms and upper arms or the back. To provide better access to the upper arms, we request that you try to wear or bring a short sleeve shirt or a separate top and bottom to your testing appointment.

Expect Reactions and Some Sensitivity to Testing

Mosquito bite size reactions may remain on the skin following testing. Such reactions typically fade within 24 hours; however, rarely they may remain present up to 7 days.

Medications

Click below to learn more about to manage the medications that you may be taking. This is for reference only. Consult with your provider before you modify your medications.

  • Antidepressants

    to be determined by your allergist
    More Information

    Antidepressants (to be determined by your allergist)

    Brands
    Elavil, Vanatrip
    Norpramine
    Sinequan
    Surmontil
    Remeron
    Tofranil
    Aventyl, Pamelor
    Vivactil
    Desyrel
    Generic
    Amitripyline
    Desipramine
    Doxepin
    Trimipramine
    Mirtazapine
    Imipramine
    Nortriptylin
    Protriptyline
    Trazodone

  • Antihistamines

    stop 7 days before
    skin testing
    More Information

    Antihistamines (stop 7 days before skin testing)

    Brands
    Semprex
    Optimine, Trinalin
    AccuHist, Bromfed, Lodrane
    Pediox, Cardec
    Zyrtec, Zyrtec D
    Dayhist, Tavist
    Periactin
    Clarinex
    Benadryl
    Allegra, Allegra-D
    Atarax, Vistaril
    Actifed, Allercon, Triacin C
    Ah-Chew, Aller-Chlor, Atrohist, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimetron, Deconamine, Extendryl,
    Histussin, Hycomine, Kronofed, Naldecon, Nolamine, Omnihist, Pannaz, Rynatan, Rynatuss,
    Sinulin,Tussi-12, Tussionex, Tylenol (Allergy and Flu Products)
    Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert
    Antivert
    Nolahist
    Phenegran
    Viravan
    Xyzal

    Generic
    Acrivastine
    Azatadine
    Bropheniramine
    Carbinoxamine
    Cetirizine
    Clemastine
    Cyproheptadine
    Dimenhydrinate
    Diphenhydramine
    Fexofenadine
    Hydroxyzine
    Tripolidine
    Chlorpheniramine
    Loratadine
    Meclizine
    Phenindamine
    Promethazine
    Pyrilamine
    Levocetirizine
    Dihydrochloride

  • Eye Drops

    stop 5-7 days before
    skin testing
    More Information

    Eye Drops (stop 5-7 days before skin testing)

    Brands
    Optivar
    Elestat
    Patanol
    Pataday
    Bepreve
    Livostin
    Ketotifen
    Naphcon-A
    Generic
    Azelastine
    Epinastine
    Olopatadine
    Olopatadine hydrochlorid
    Bepotastine
    Levocabastine
    Zaditor
    Pheniramine / Naphazoline

  • Heartburn Medicines

    stop 5 days before
    skin testing
    More Information

    Heartburn Medicines (stop 5 days before skin testing)

    Brands
    Tagamet
    Pepcid
    Axid
    Zantac
    Generic
    Cimetidine
    Famotidine
    Nizatidine
    Ranatidine

  • Nose Sprays

    stop 5-7 days before
    skin testing
    More Information

    Nose Sprays (stop 5-7 days before skin testing)

    Brands
    Astelin or Astepro
    Patanase
    Dymista
    Generic
    Azelastine
    Olopatadine hydrochloride
    Azelastine/Fluticasone

“My son has been going to Dr. Mery for over a year.  I always appreciate how attentive the nurses are to him when checking him out before he is released after his shot.  This office is very clean and organized as well.”

Stephanie H.

“My whole family goes to Dr. Mery.  He has been a major factor in our family’s health and well-being.  Dr. Mery is compassionate and understanding.  He is determined to help those who come to see him and truly cares for his patients.”

Susan D.

“Hill Country Allergy has been a very good experience for me these last few weeks. A great team has been providing me with a thorough job of evaluating my allergy needs and implementing a specific plan to reach my specific goal of setting my allergies under control. All staff is efficient, courteous, and very knowledgeable of my specific concerns. I am very pleased with my current service.”

Sandra B.

“The staff at Hill Country Allergy & Asthma is nothing short of amazing. They greet you with a smile and they actually remember my name; you are not just another face. They are patient and take the time to explain things even if you ask them the same questions every other time you are there. The technicians providing the shots are extremely careful and service is usually quick due to the check in system they utilize. They are well organized, with excellent customer service.”

Ditrell B.

“Whenever Julie is the one who gives me my shot, I almost look forward to getting the shot. Her sunny disposition brightens my day. I did say that it almost makes me want to get a shot!”

Bob B.

“I have been very pleased with the great care I have received from Dr. Mery, as well as his entire staff. They are all great!”

Cindy M.

“I look forward to getting my allergy shots every month. The office staff is so friendly and professional. It is a very nice and relaxed atmosphere too.”

Maria B.

“Dr. Mery saved me! I struggled for months with a skin reaction that three other doctors were unable to get under control.  It was clear from the onset that Dr. Mery is truly invested in his patients as he spent so much time with me trying to understand my situation and helped me tremendously with my condition.  Dr. Mery and his staff genuinely care for their patients!”

Krista H.

“My son saw Dr. Mery years ago for his bad allergies.  He was tested, started shots and has been on shots for a couple of years now.  We cannot begin to express our gratitude to HCAA for helping our family.  Our son is completely different kid – he can now play on sports teams and enjoy playing outside with his buddies!  THANK YOU DR. MERY!”

Sandy H.