Does the skin test for allergies hurt? - Allergies Message Board

JenniferM · 10-13-2004, 05:00 AM

My boys, ages 8 & 5 have an allergy test Monday-I am wondering how bad this hurts if at all? I want to kind of prepare them before getting there and everything, just to give them a heads up-I don't lie to them, so if it will hurt, I am going to tell them this...They are doing the skin test on the forearm I believe she said....any help would be appreciated! TIA! Jenn

Christine1984 · 10-13-2004, 11:13 AM

hEY JENNIFER, NO IT DOESNT HURT AT ALL. THE DR JUST PUTS A LOT OF DIFFERNT CHEMICALS ONTO YOUR BACK OR ARM TO SEE WHAT YOUR ALLERGIC TOO. THE CHEMICALS STAY ON FOR 15 MINUTES TO SEE WHAT YOUR BOYS ARE ALLERGIC TOO. IF YOUR ALLERGIC, THEY WILL GET A BUMP, OR WILL ITCH. THEY PROBABLY WILL ALSO GET A ASTHMA TEST DONE TOO. I WAS ALLERGIC TO MOLD AND DUST, BUT DONT HAVE ASTHMA. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!! CHRISTINA

sunnybrook · 10-13-2004, 11:25 AM

Hi, my son age 8 has allergies and asthma. He just recently got some more skin tests done but they did them on his back ( not sure if they do this for all children or not). He said it doesn't hurt that the worst part is that it itches and he isn't allowed to touch them while they are waiting to see if there is a reaction. My son has several allergies and is now taking allergy shots so it helps to know what he is allergic too. Best wishes to you and your children.

Becky

kehorner · 10-13-2004, 02:35 PM

It doesn't really hurt. I find that it gets annoying, but it's not really painful. It's more of just a "quit poking me" feeling. I have had it done both on my back and on my forearms. I think I liked it on the forearms better, because I could see what was going on. Either way, it is over pretty quickly.

CheerAngel · 10-14-2004, 10:53 AM

When I had my skin test, they did a little twist and turn with this needle that has the allergens inside it. It feels like your skin has been scratched by something sharp. There's another kind where they drop the allergen liquid, then the nurse uses a needle and ***** the skin. It doesn't hurt real bad. But when the nurse cleaned up my arms with the alcohol, it did stink. If you are going to a children's hospital or the medical staffs there have experience with children, they will sure know how to make your kids feel comfortable.