Has anyone had to have their child allergy tested. When I was done as an adult they dab your back with allergens then scratch you with a needle. Is this what they do with kids? How old was your child when it was done? How did you get your child to stand for it? My 7 year old dd is probably going to have to get allergy tested and I just want to be prepared. Thanks for any info!

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 08:56 am:

Both my kids (7 & 9) have gone through allergy testing with our Asthma/Allergy specialist more than once. The first time for DS was at 3, DD at 5. In fact DD just went through it again a few weeks ago. They advise no antihistamines for 24 hours before testing so as not to affect the results. A rectangular plastic frame with several small needles was used. This was gently pushed onto the skin of the child's inner forearm. They wait 15 minutes and observe the reactions. Then an anti itch cream is applied to the testing area. When my kids first had it done (at 3 & 5) they weren't very happy about it, but now it's no big deal. No tears or drama, even for my drama queen DD. LOL!

By Kernkate on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 08:56 am:

My DS who is 11 had the testing done 2 weeks ago, the first series prick skin test was 41 little picks with the allergens, DS said it felt like a little poke with a toothpick. He did very well with it. The following week we had to go back for intradermal skin test a series of 16 more with these these used very small needles to inject the allergens under the skin, which was a bit more painful, but he was good thru it. All these test were done on his back.
The worst part for him was the itching from what he was allergic to. They did use spray to calm the itching after the testing. He will be starting allergy shots next month because he is allergic to so many everyday things. Grass, dustmites, cats, dogs.
Best of luck with the testing for your DD.
Heres an article that I read.
Allergy Testing