Allergy Yeast Enzyme Assay Skin

Allergy yeast skin test is used to test the sensitization of your skin to yeast. This test helps in knowing the immune response to the yeast. In this test, your skin is slightly pricked and introduced to the yeast contents.

What is a yeast allergy?

Yeast is a type of fungi. It is classified along with molds and mushrooms. They are mostly found in soil, on the plants especially on the flowers, fruits, leaves, and some grains. There are different types of yeast in which brewer’s yeast is used to brew beer and baker’s yeast is used to make bread and bakery products. Baker’s yeast is used in converting the fermentable sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide and ethanol. Nutritional yeast is rich in proteins, Vitamin-B, zinc, and iron. Vitamin-B breaks down foods for natural energy. Zinc and iron help in building stronger bones and muscles. It helps in maintaining the health of the digestive system. A certain amount of yeast is required for the body for the functioning of the immune system. It helps in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the food.

If you are allergic to yeast you may exhibit symptoms like gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, stomach discomfort, abdominal swelling, gas, bloating, rash, skin irritation, hives, difficulty in breathing, congestion, dizziness, joint pain, etc. Yeast may be found in foods such as bread, baked food like biscuits, muffins, cinnamon rolls, croissants, vinegar, pickles or salad dressing, aged meat or olives, mushrooms, fermented food like ripe cheese, dried fruits, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, yogurt, buttermilk, synthetic cream, soy sauce, tamarind, tofu, citric acid, food that has been stored for a long time or anything that has been left opened for a long time, etc. Yeast is also present in drinks like cider, drinks with alcohol especially beer, wine, etc.

Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening causing narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Very less often yeast allergy may cause an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency condition which leads to facial flushing, itching, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, etc.

Why is this test performed?

This test may be recommended to you if experience certain symptoms like swelling, itching, skin irritation, hives, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, abdominal swelling, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, body pains, etc. This test may also be recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment if you’ve been diagnosed already.

No specific preparation is required for this allergy yeast skin test.