I have never been to an Allergy and Lung Specialist before. Didn’t even know there was a combination of those two together. I have had eczema for 26 years. I have been to over 16 Allergists, Dermatologist, Internists. I have been on a drug study thru the hospital. I have been on cancer drugs as well.
Some doctors believe that the prick, patch, or blood test is more accurate, —depends on the doctor. The prick test can be painful but honestly the needles aren’t very big and they are clustered in tiny squares. Now, if you are indeed allergic to the allergen being tested, then yes, it can be painful, because I was allergic to almost everyone so I just wanted to claw myself to pieces. The needles, themselves, though aren’t bad.
Blood is the simplest and certainly the most pain free way to go. Still a needle, but just one, and if you are allergic —you don’t feel the reaction.
The patch —I hated! I was itching like crazy before I even left the clinic and you are supposed to wear them for three days. You can’t get them wet. And I being allergic, to 95% of the allergens, was in misery for those three days. I’ve had all the tests done more than once. I prefer blood.
They preform the tests on your back because it’s big and flat, and if you break out on your back, on the thickest skin, you would break out elsewhere.
I’m not sure where you live but if you live close to Arkansas and are having any doubts about who to use Allergists or Dermatologist—I have one of each that I would recommend. Took me years to find them, but both helped me more than anyone. I was able to get off all medication after seeing them. They found things years of doctors couldn’t find.
Best wishes to you!

I had the scratch test with needles on my back done by an allergist who also sees asthma patients. I too have heard that eczema and allergies go hand in hand. I've been on xolair for 18 months which is for asthma patients with allergies. I di not have asthma but my father did. The xolair isn't working. I am still incredibly itchy. My doctor is currently working to appeal a denial by my insurance company for Dupixent.

It's not that bad. You will learn what your triggers are and if you have a reaction they administer an antedote immediately. The needles are very tiny and not painful at all. I used to be deathfully afraid of needles, but I'm not anymore. Beat of luck.

Yes! I have done both!There is no other way that I know of to find out what your allergie's are beside's going to an allergy specialist and getting stuck with all the needler's.I got stuck all over my back and the inside of my arm's.It certainly is no picnic having it done!

The amount of pain I was in cannot touch some needle pricks. I felt like thousands would just wave from my neck to my torso if I was touched on my back. The parts of my body just on fire randomly and mostly of course in the middle of the night. Surrounded in ice bags, crying. I’d go for the patch testing any day to get to the bottom of this hell.