Blog 2 (Skin Testing for Allergies and Disease)

I decided to write my second blog on the integumentary system. The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, and nails. The integumentary system does a lot of things for the body. It helps protect body, serves as a waterproof layer, and regulates the temperature for the body. The system also does more. I am basing my blog off of allergies. An allergy is an abnormal response to the immune system. Although it effects the immune system, it also effects the integumentary system.

Skin testing for allergies is used to figure out what is causing your allergy symptoms. This method is used on your skin by pricking or scratching. The doctors then wait to see how your skin reacts to the allergy they used. The three main test are: scratch test or prick test,  intradermal test, and patch test. The doctors decide what type of test that the patient needs. For the scratch test (prick test) the doctor or nurse simply puts an extract or many extracts on your skin, and wait to see if your skin reacts to it. For the intradermal test, a small amount of allergen is injected into skin (somewhat that of a tuberculosis test). The last and final test is the patch test. The doctors or nurses put the allergen on the patch and then put the path on your skin.

The skin testing for allergies or diseases could help in society, because it will help people realize what they are allergic to. My mother never knew what she was allergic to until she went to the doctor and did the prick test. If she had not of found out that she was allergic to kookaburras, they doctors said that her throat could close up if she got close to one. One of these skin tests could possibly save someone’s life.

Tortora, Gerald J., and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th ed. N.p.:        n.p.,n.d. Print.

Johnson, Kimball, MD. “Skin Testing for Allergies.” WebMD. WebMD, 03 Jan. Web. 06 Oct.         2013.