Asthma Triggers: Cockroach Sensitivity Is More Widepread Than Previously Thought

Does a positive skin test to cockroach mean you have cockroaches?

Sensitization to cockroach allergen may occur from low-level exposure in schools, places of work and other indoor environments. A positive skin test or blood test to cockroach does not mean your home is infested. But if you are test positive to cockroach you should take precautions to avoid the development of cockroach infestation.

What can you do?

• Keep floors well swept or vacuumed especially after meals.
• Take garbage out of the house frequently.
• Keep food containers tightly sealed.
• Wash dishes right after using them and wipe off all counter tops and the stove after meals.
• Seal cracks, spaces under doors and any other small spaces where insects can crawl in.
• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes in order to reduce moisture.
• Consider professional extermination if you suspect infestation but beware of the use of pesticides and fumes which may trigger asthma and perhaps be harmful to the environment.

Many allergists test their patients to cockroach as part of routine screening when they do prick or scratch tests. Don't be alarmed if you are positive to cockroach. We all breathe in, or contact, cockroach protein at some point in our lives despite our efforts to be clean (because we leave our homes). Some of us with allergic tendencies will become sensitized and may have more allergy symptoms in high risk indoor environments.

Here is a link to more information: (A comprehensive report on cockroaches and what to do about them)