Desensitization

n. process or act of making less sensitive

Desensitization can refer to:Desensitization (telecommunications)Desensitization (medicine)Desensitization (psychology)
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Desensitization /de·sen·si·ti·za·tion/ 1. the prevention or reduction of immediate hypersensitivity reactions by administration of graded doses of [more]Desensitization - Community and Resources

Noun
1. the process of reducing sensitivity; "the patient was desensitized to the allergen"
(synonym) desensitisation
(hypernym) decrease, decrement
(derivation) desensitize, desensitise

Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic, the aim being to modify or stop the allergy "war" (by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells). This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (eg, bees, hornets, yellowjackets, wasps, velvet ants, fire ants). Allergy immunotherapy usually takes 6 months to a year to become effective and injections ("shots") are usually required for 3-5 years.