What does a positive skin test mean?
Apr 07, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Skin positivity generally refers to conditions such as infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, or previous latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Skin positivity is determined through a special medical test performed on the skin, such as an allergen skin test or tuberculin skin test, in which the test result shows a positive reaction. A positive reaction indicates that the substance injected into the skin has triggered a response from the immune system.
Skin positivity generally refers to conditions such as infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, or previous latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Skin positivity refers to a specific medical test performed on the skin, such as an allergen skin test or tuberculin skin test, in which the result shows a positive reaction. A positive reaction means that the substance injected under the skin has triggered an immune system response, typically manifesting as redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection site.
A positive reaction does not necessarily indicate the presence of disease; it only indicates that the immune system has reacted to a particular substance. For example, a positive allergen skin test may suggest sensitivity to a specific allergen, but does not necessarily confirm an allergic disorder. Similarly, a positive tuberculin test may indicate prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but does not necessarily mean the person has active tuberculosis.
Positive reactions should be comprehensively evaluated in conjunction with the individual's medical history and clinical presentation to determine whether further testing or treatment is needed. In daily life, individuals should maintain good personal skin hygiene, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.
