Fallacy in Allergy

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions is confused by fallacies. The basic errors underlie five additional fallacies. These must be abandoned and the underlying errors understood before the study of allergy can progress. The most devastating fallacy is that concerning the accuracy of skin testing. This concept results in erroneous diagnosis both of the allergic state and of offending allergens. Detection of allergens must be based on clues. The best of these come from the patient's experience, the next best from tabulation of the most frequent allergens, and the most inaccurate from skin testing.