Hey again, Allergy Warriors of Malad & Goregaon!

So you’ve been sneezing your way through Mumbai traffic, blaming your cat, your AC, your office chai, and even your neighbour’s incense sticks.
But here’s the truth: unless you figure out what exactly is causing your allergy, you’re just shooting in the dark (with tissues in hand).

That’s where we allergy detectives step in!

Today, let’s take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when you visit me—your friendly ENT and allergy specialist—and we decide to solve the mystery once and for all.
Cue: Skin Prick Testing!

Step 1: Your Allergy Story – The Clues Begin!

Before anything pokes you, we sit down for a chat. I’ll ask questions like:

• When do your symptoms flare up? (Monsoon? Morning jogs? After hugging your cat?)

• What do you eat?

• Where do you live?

• Do you sleep under a ceiling fan or next to a furry friend?

Why it matters: Allergies follow patterns. The story you tell helps us pick the right “suspects” for testing.

Real Clinic Moment:
One teenage boy said he only sneezes after visiting his nani in Kandarpada. Turned out nani had 3 cats and dried flowers everywhere.
Sherlock moment: Meowgical reveal!

Step 2: Meet the Skin Prick Test – A Tiny Poke with Big Answers
Think of skin prick testing like speed-dating with allergens.

We introduce your skin to small amounts of different allergens—just a tiny bit, safely—using a teeny plastic pricker. No blood, no deep needles, just enough to say “hello.”

Here’s how it works:

1. A drop of each allergen (like dust, pollen, pet dander, fungi, foods) is placed on your forearm.

2. A small, plastic pricker gently scratches the skin through each drop.

3. You wait for 15–20 minutes… and watch the magic (or drama) unfold.

If your skin reacts to an allergen, you’ll get a small red bump—like a mosquito bite. That’s your body saying:
“Aha! I know this guy, and I don’t like him.”

What it feels like:
Most people say it tickles more than it hurts. No bleeding, no major pain.
Bring your phone, scroll Instagram, relax.

Step 3: Connecting the Dots – Literally!
We now map out which allergens caused a reaction. For example:

• Dust mites: Big red bump? Time to check those pillows.

• Pollen: Angry skin patch? Your morning walk near Aarey Colony might be the culprit.

• Pet dander: Still cuddling your cat at bedtime? Maybe rethink that.

It’s like matching crime scenes with fingerprints.

Why Skin Prick Test Rocks (And is NOT Scary)

• Quick Results: Know your triggers within minutes.

• Safe & Painless: Done under expert care—you’re in good hands.

• Customized Treatment: No more guesswork. We treat smart and specific.

Pro Tip: Stop antihistamines for 3–5 days before your test. We’ll remind you!

What Happens After? – Your Personalized Allergy Game Plan

Now that we know your triggers, it’s time to:

• Avoid the allergens wherever possible.

• Use medications only when truly needed.

• Consider immunotherapy for long-term relief (if suitable).

Conclusion: No More Guessing, No More Sneezing

So next time your nose is throwing tantrums and your eyes are leaking like the Mumbai monsoon, remember:

You don’t need to suffer—or blame your poor cat!

Just come in, get tested, and we’ll take the guesswork out of your achoo-work.

Dr. Bhagyashree Jaipuria
ENT & Allergy Specialist – Malad & Goregaon East
Helping Mumbai breathe better, one skin prick test at a time.