Cade McDonald, CEO and founder of achoo! ALLERGY, was recently re-tested for allergies.

He stopped taking his immunotherapy allergy shots a couple of years ago because he developed a bad sinus infection (and it's not a good idea to receive allergy shots when you're very sick). McDonald was re-tested last week because he is considering trying the shots again.

In just two years, McDonald has actually become more sensitive to certain allergens – like the European cockroach. And, unfortunately, he's still allergic to dust mites,
pollen, pet dander, and mold.

Looking at the photo of his arm, you may think that allergy testing is a painful process.

‘Not at all,’ says McDonald.

During an allergy test, the skin is barely pricked, and a small amount of allergen is introduced into the skin. If you have an allergy, redness and swelling will appear in the spot where the allergen was introduced. The reaction happens quickly, and results are usually available within 15 minutes after testing.

Allergy testing is very important for a couple of reasons. First, if you have severe allergies and you're considering getting allergy shots, your doctor will need to know your specific offending allergens before he or she can prepare the correct injectable serum. And, even if your allergies are not so severe, it helps to know your environmental allergens so that you can do everything possible to avoid them.

Different allergens require different environmental control measures.

If you're allergic to dust mites, for example, your first step in allergen avoidance should be to cover your mattress and pillows with Allergy Armor