What happens at skin allergy testing?

My daughter is having an allergy test in a few weeks. She has been asking my questions about what they are going to do....if they are going to stick needles in her back....I need more information to tell her about it. An allergist is preforming the test; she got referred to him by her pediatrician. I know that it is the test that they do on her back. She is eight years old and severly allergic to milk. She gets hives at other times as well and we are not sure why. That is why we are getting the testing done. What happens during the test? What else should I know about the testing? For anyone who had it done...what does it feel like? Any more info would be great.

What happens at skin allergy testing?
the test they do on your back does not use shots, i guess they uses needles but only to get the allergens under your skin- it feels more like a little scrape than a shot- it doesn't hurt. then you wait around for a while, and eventually the things you are allergic to will swell. the bigger it swells, the more allergic you are.
Reply:Most allergists will use your arms for tests. Years ago they did the pricks on your back...I hope your will use your daughter's amrs. At any rate, they grid off your body section and prick each square using a very small sharp object (like a needle but not as long). Then to each of the pricks they apply a different allergen. Then you wait for about 15 minutes. You are not supposed to move or scratch the spots. Those areas that you react to, you are allergic to.
Reply:Go see a Naturopathic Physician!!! There is a much less intrusive allergy test that they can do with out scratching the poor little thing to pieces! It is called a stress test, and although it sounds hoky, it really works. (They did it on my son and saved him from removing a bunch of lymph nodes and putting tubes in...he was having trouble hearing due to a animal protein intolerance.) You should eliminate ALL dairy from her diet IMMEDIATELY. I know, I know, it isn't easy, BUT, It could be causing more trouble than you think. While Naturopathic medicine is not usually covered on most 'health plans' (why don't they call them 'sick plans'?) They are generally less expensive than a visit to the MD.


AND they can probably get her in right away.


Good luck!
Reply:My kids and hubby have been tested. I can't tell you what it feels like but the take a row of small needles all connected that have various substances on them and gently place each row of these needles to your skin so it pricks your skin. The start at either the top or bottom of you back and quickly prick you with each set of needles. My kids didn't jump so tell her is it nothing more than a quick prick. Once they are done she will have to sit for about 10 minutes and may feel some itching. If she feels itching check her back and I am sure you will see some red rashy areas where she is positive. My son asked me why his back was itiching almost as soon as the nurse left the room and he tested positive for allergies but my daughter had no allergies. Hope this is helpful.
Reply:it hurts.... just tell her to take the pain and you take her out shopping or something afterward.

fern