Skin testing:
- Skin testing was performed according to Bernstein et
al., 2008 . [8]
- Allergen extracts of skin testing were standardized allergen extracts
provided by Hamilton (Omega, Allergy OVERSEAS consultant Inc.,
Canada). The test was performed using the following allergens: for
aeroallergens: (house dust mite;
Dermatophagoides
(D.)pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides (D.) farnae mites; grass, mixed
pollens; mixed molds, tobacco, cotton, wool, cockroach, hay dust) and
food allergens: (egg, fish, peanuts, cows’ milk).
- Histamine dihydrochloride (10 mg/ml) was used as a positive control,
while saline was used as a negative control.
- Subjects were asked to stop antihistamines a week before skin
testing.
- The largest diameter of the wheal was measured, and it was considered
positive if it was ≥ 3 mm (ASCIA guidelines, 2020). [9]
- Those with positive tests for food allergy were excluded from the
study.