How to Find a Doctor Who Tests for Chemical Allergies

Chemical allergies, or chemical sensitivities, affect thousands of people worldwide. We live in a chemical environment and are constantly exposed to increasing numbers of chemicals in the air we breathe, the food we consume, the fluids we drink and the cosmetics and personal hygiene products we use. These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. One way to find out if you are allergic to chemicals is to consult an allergist. An allergist is a physician who specializes in allergies, including chemical allergies.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your general practitioner, and ask for a referral. Your general practitioner will have a list of allergists and other specialists he can comfortably recommend to you.

• 2

  Contact your health insurance provider. Your health insurance provider can refer you to an allergist in your area and provide you with information about the physician, such as qualifications and years of practice. Most physicians listed under your health insurance provider will also have a personal website; make sure to ask for it.

• 3

  Use online resources to find an allergist. The UCompareHealthCare.com website helps you search for an allergist in your area and provides you with information about an allergist, such as disciplinary actions, board certifications, education and hospital affiliation.

• 4

  Visit the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) website. This website helps you locate a board-certified allergist in your area. Aside from the online search, there is also a phone referral service. See the Resources section for a link to the website.

• 5

  Contact a free clinic in your area. This is especially beneficial if you do not have insurance and want to find out if you are allergic to chemicals. A general practitioner in a free clinic can refer you to an allergist who can help you free-of-charge or charge a small fee for consultations. See the Resources section for a link to locate a free clinic in your area.