How does allergy testing work?

[TimeWasting]

Asked my GP for referral for allergy testing, as I've horrid eczema that I suspect is partly an allergic reaction.
He says they can only test for what we think may be causing it and I should keep a diary of reactions and then he can write and ask for specific allergens to test for.

Is this right?

If you don't know what it might be, how are they going to test you for it?

I've also had a skin prick test that came back negative, but the subsequent 'trial' proved that I am allergic to it - so that's not particularly helpful.

I get eczema on my hands from a number of things, including stress. However, I'm definitely allergic to the following: washing up liquid, detergents, nearly all soaps, most handcreams, the base to some 'creams' rather than ointments, lanolin, cocoa-bean based products, anything perfumed, washing up gloves if someone else has used them, tomato plants, courgette plants. That's just a list I can think of on the spur of the moment.

That's what I figured, I guess I thought they just tested for the usual suspects.

I would start being very strict - cut out all perfumed soaps, wear gloves for washing up etc - and try to get your hands OK - then introduce one thing back at a time and see where you get to.

Soap is a nightmare, I really struggle getting one that doesn't strip my skin.

The only one I use is a olive oil based one that Suma do in big blocks - I cut the blocks into four smaller blocks and they last for ages.

For washing up gloves makes sure you get un lined ones - the flock lining can be an irritant for many with sensative skin. Latex gives me sore skin so I get latex free ones, might be worth going that extra step as latex intollarance is not that uncommon.