Allergy Test
What We Offer
We offer a comprehensive range of allergy services for both adults and children at our sister clinic, Dr Helen Allergy, also based here in Ringwood.
If you are struggling to get an allergy diagnosis for you or your child, want to explore treatment options, have questions about immunotherapy or anything else allergy related -get in touch.
Visit our website for more detailed information on all allergy related matters
Dr Helen Allergy can help with:
Allergy Testing in Both Adults and Children
Allergy testing can be performed in our safe, clinical environment here in Ringwood. We also offer allergy testing which can be done at home, please do get in touch for further advice.
Please note that allergy testing must be done in conjunction with a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in allergy who may recommend investigations such as specific IgE testing, skin prick testing and oral food challenge testing.
Be wary of unverified home testing kits or other alternative allergy testing, which is not recommended by the British Society of Allergy
Allergy Treatments including Immunotherapy
Allergy treatment may include allergy avoidance, dietetic services including food ‘ladders’, medications, immunotherapy or a combination of all of these!
Following an initial consultation, you will be provided with a recommended treatment plan in order to move forward. Dr Helen Allergy is also one of the very few clinics in the UK to offer food immunotherapy (known as OIT) which is a life changing treatment for allergy sufferers.
Please do visit our sister website https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/ for more information.
Eczema and Other Skin Conditions
If you are worried about your eczema, your child’s eczema or struggling with a diagnosis for a skin condition then please do get in touch to make an appointment with our resident dermatology experts.
Eczema is often a poorly diagnosed and managed condition which can cause extreme discomfort, stress and worry for all concerned.
Dr Helen Allergy has helped many families to manage this, and other skin conditions, effectively.
Allergy testing in both adults and children
Allergy testing can be performed in our safe, clinical environment here in Ringwood. We also offer allergy testing which can be done at home, please do get in touch for further advice. Please note that allergy testing must be done in conjunction with a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in allergy who may recommend investigations such as specific IgE testing, skin prick testing and oral food challenge testing. Be wary of unverified home testing kits or other alternative allergy testing, which is not recommended by the British Society of Allergy
Allergy treatments including Immunotherapy
Allergy treatment may include allergy avoidance, dietician services including food ‘ladders’, medications, immunotherapy or a combination of all of these! Following an initial consultation, you will be provided with a recommended treatment plan in order to move forward. Dr Helen Allergy is also one of the very few clinics in the UK to offer food immunotherapy (known as OIT) which is a life changing treatment for allergy sufferers. Please do visit our sister website https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/ for more information.
Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions
Many patients come to see us at Dr Helen Allergy because they are frustrated with the lack of a clear diagnosis for their breathing problems.
Often Asthma goes hand in hand with allergy or other environmental triggers so we recommend a full assessment in order to properly diagnose and treat any respiratory condition.
We are able to conduct two types of breathing tests to assess for Asthma and are able to arrange treatment plans that can manage these conditions effectively.
Paediatric Dietitian Services for Children with Allergies
A paediatric dietitian plays a pivotal role in the management of food allergies, offering expert guidance to empower families to ensure that their child’s nutritional needs are met whilst also being able to enjoy food together.
Our paediatric dietitian offers tailor made, evidence based, nutritional treatment and advice. She specialises in a wide range of nutritional concerns, which include supporting children and parents with managing food allergy, fussy eating, weaning, tube feeding, blended diets, nutrient deficiencies and poor growth.
Ongoing Support for Living Well with Allergies
Dr Helen Allergy Membership is a virtual clinic which provides access to a range of allergy services, online and accessible 24/7.
Join now to obtain your 15-minute virtual consultation with Dr Helen, monthly Q&A sessions with Dr Helen, Odette (our dermatology specialist), Dr Penny or Lucy (our specialist for allergy dietitians) and Dr Francesca (our Clinical Psychologist).
Additional monthly expert speaker sessions on a wide range of topics as well as daily support from Dr Helen and other benefits too! A full allergy clinic readily accessible from your phone.
Asthma and other Respiratory conditions
Many patients come to see us at Dr Helen Allergy because they are frustrated with the lack of a clear diagnosis for their breathing problems. Often Asthma goes hand in hand with allergy or other environmental triggers so we recommend a full assessment in order to properly diagnose and treat any respiratory condition. We are able to conduct two types of breathing tests to assess for Asthma and are able to arrange treatment plans that can manage these conditions effectively.
Paediatric dietician services for children with allergies
A paediatric dietician plays a pivotal role in the management of food allergies, offering expert guidance to empower families to ensure that their child’s nutritional needs are met whilst also being able to enjoy food together. Our paediatric dietician offers tailor made, evidence based, nutritional treatment and advice. She specialises in a wide range of nutritional concerns, which include supporting children and parents with managing food allergy, fussy eating, weaning, tube feeding, blended diets, nutrient deficiencies and poor growth.
Eczema and other skin conditions
If you are worried about your eczema, your child’s eczema or struggling with a diagnosis for a skin condition then please do get in touch to make an appointment with our resident dermatology expert Odette Rodda. Eczema is often a poorly diagnosed and managed condition which can cause extreme discomfort, stress and worry for all concerned. Dr Helen Allergy has helped many families to manage this, and other skin conditions, effectively.
FAQ: Allergies
Have questions about our allergy services, appointments, or treatments? Here are some common questions and answers to help you get the information you need.
What sort of conditions do you see in the allergy clinic?
The majority of people Dr Helen's team sees in clinic are those where the family or person suspects they have a food allergy. This can present in a variety of ways – with rashes, swelling, vomiting, bowel symptoms, reflux, and indigestion. The clinician will assess what is going on for that person and arrange any testing necessary. Dr Helen's team also sees many clients with skin rashes and eczema; especially where there is a question of whether food or environmental allergies are contributing to skin difficulties. We also see people where there are concerns about asthma, congestion, coughing. We can test for environmental allergies to pets, house dust mite, pollens and moulds and advise and treat these conditions. We also assess venom allergies such as bee and wasp sting reactions.
What is the difference between an allergist and a dermatologist?
There is often a cross over in the type of conditions that an allergist and dermatologist manage. Both specialists can manage eczema and conditions which cause spontaneous hives and swelling. If you are concerned about food or environmental allergies then an allergist is the best person to consult as the skin prick testing and blood testing, we have available, looks at this type of immediate allergy. If you are concerned about reactions to potential chemicals, shampoos, soaps, metals etc., then a dermatologist is the best specialist to see as they can arrange patch testing which looks at a more delayed allergy which causes rashes to these substances. If you are not sure who to see, then please do submit a query and we will help direct you.
Do you do allergy testing?
Yes, Dr Helen's team can undertake allergy testing when this is required. The easiest method of doing this is by an allergy skin prick test. This can be done on the day and gives results within 15-20 minutes. If skin prick testing is not possible or acceptable, blood can be taken and sent away for allergy testing (specific IgE testing). Blood test results are usually back within 5-7 days and the results of these and an accompanying explanation will be emailed to you as soon as the clinician as reviewed them.
Do you take insurance patients?
Some insurance companies allow you to see any clinician of your choice and claim back your expenses directly from them. We are happy to see patients registered with companies like this. Unfortunately, we do not work with other companies such as BUPA, who choose to pay us a lower price than our documented fees.
What are waiting times like privately and within the nhs?
It is usually possible to arrange an appointment with one of Dr Helen's team within 1-2 weeks and if you cannot find a time that suits; Dr Helen is happy to liaise to see if something can be arranged. Waiting times within the NHS vary depending on area. At best they are usually 6 months and at worse, in some areas, 18 months or longer. Your own local GP is likely to be able to give you a clearer idea of this.
What is the cost of an appointment?
Allergy consultations last one hour and costs vary from £250 - £350 depending on the specialist. Following the consultation, you will receive an in-depth clinic letter. Allergy skin prick tests cost an additional £150 -this is the total cost of the test and you are not charged per allergen. Skin prick testing can only be done as part of a consultation and cannot be organised separately.
