Is allergy testing for kids painful?

Allergy testing for kids shouldn’t be painful but what they actually feel will vary from child to child. A skin prick test can be like a scratch from a fingernail and itchy afterwards. Blood tests are common too and kids may be able to have numbing cream on their arm first.

Here’s some useful information about different types of tests kids may have for allergies including pollen, dust mites, pets, mold, food, insect stings, drugs and latex. Talk to your child beforehand so they know what to expect:

1. Skin prick test: A drop of liquid containing an allergen is placed on your child’s arm. Little children often can’t resist itching so may have the test on their back. The surface of the skin is then gently pricked. Most kids seem not to mind and lying still for 15 minutes afterwards may be the worst bit. A small red swelling like a mosquito bite means your child could have an allergy to that allergen.

2. Intradermal test: This is mostly used to identify insect venom or drug allergies. This is likely to be more uncomfortable than a skin prick test as it involves injecting a small amount of allergen just under the skin on your child’s arm. So it’s usually avoided for babies and toddlers.

3. Patch test: This is normally done to find the cause of skin inflammation or contact dermatitis. Patch tests can be for triggers like metals, chemicals and medications. It involves taping small patches carrying the allergens to your child’s arm or back. The reaction can take 48 hours or more after patch testing to show. It may feel very itchy.

4. Allergy blood test: This involves taking a small blood sample from your child’s arm or with a finger prick. The lab looks for antibodies which would show they could have an allergy to a substance. The needle may sting briefly and could leave a small bruise.

5. Challenge tests: The idea is to expose your child to their possible trigger, usually a food or drug, under medical supervision. If kids react, that could cause them some discomfort. But clinic staff will be ready to treat your child’s symptoms.