Food Allergy Skin Testing
Helping Families Find Answers
Food allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild reactions to severe allergic responses. Determining whether symptoms are related to a true food allergy can sometimes feel overwhelming for families.
The testing we provide helps us determine whether symptoms are IgE Mediated (Anaphylactic Allergic Reactions) or Non-IgE Mediated (Delayed Food Sensitivity Reactions) and treat them accordingly.
At Allergy for Kids, we provide thorough evaluations for suspected food allergies using a combination of: Detailed medical history, Symptom review, Allergy testing when appropriate, Guidance on food avoidance and management.
Common symptoms of food allergies may include: Hives or rash, Swelling, Vomiting or abdominal pain, Itching, Breathing symptoms, Eczema flare-ups or EOE flare-ups.
We commonly evaluate allergies to: Peanut, Tree nuts, Milk, Egg, Wheat, Soy, Shellfish and other suspected food triggers
Our goal is to provide families with clear answers, practical education, and safe management plans tailored to each child’s needs.
We understand that food allergy concerns can create anxiety for families, and we are committed to helping parents feel informed and supported every step of the way.
What is Allergy Skin Testing?
An Allergy Skin Test (also known as a skin prick test) is a quick, safe and effective method to help identify what substances trigger allergic reactions. Your provider gently pricks or scratches your skin with small amounts of allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold or dust mites. If you are allergic, small red bump will appear on your skin. This testing is performed on the back or forearm and is generally well tolerated by children. Results are available within 15-20 minutes.
FAQ about Allergy Skin Testing?
Link for Printable Allergy Scratch Testing Instructions
Does allergy skin testing hurt?
Most Children tolerate skin testing very well. These tests use tiny surface scratches on the skin rather than needles and many children describe it as a feeling more “itchy” than painful.
How long does allergy testing take?
The actual testing portion of the visit is usually completed within 20-30 minutes, though your full visit may take longer to allow time for history taking, evaluation of symptoms, discussion or results and individualized treatment plan.
At what age can children have allergy testing?
Many Children can undergo allergy testing at a young age depending on their symptoms and medical history. Allergy scratch testing can be performed as young as 6 months of age under proper supervision. We evaluate each child individually to determine what is most appropriate.
Will my child have an allergic reaction during testing?
Severe reactions during routine skin testing are uncommon. Testing is performed in a controlled medical setting with trained staff present throughout the process.
What should my child wear to the appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. Depending on the testing location, we may test on the back or forearms.
How quickly will we get results?
Results are typically available during the same appointment, allowing us to review findings and discuss treatment recommendations right away.
What happens after testing?
After reviewing results, we will create a personalized treatment plan that may include avoidance strategies, school letters, and an Epi-Pen Prescriptions.
Can allergy testing help with eczema, asthma, EOE or chronic congestion?
Yes. Allergies can contribute to symptoms involving the skin, lungs, esophagus, nose, and sinuses. Testing may help identify triggers that are worsening your child’s symptoms.
Do allergy medications need to be stopped before testing?
Certain antihistamines and allergy medications may interfere with testing results and may need to be temporarily stopped beforehand. Our office will provide detailed instructions prior to your appointment.
Medications NOT to take before your allergy scratch testing
No prescription or over the counter oral antihistamines should be used 5 days prior to scheduled skin testing. These include cold tablets, sinus tablets, hay fever medications, or oral treatments for itchy skin, over the counter allergy medications, such as Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Benedryl (diphenhydramine), Periactin (cyproheptadine) and many others. If you have any questions whether or not you are using an antihistamine, please ask the nurse or the doctor. In some instances a longer period of time off these medications may be necessary.
Nasal and eye antihistamine medications should be stopped 2 days prior to your scheduled skin testing. These include Patanase, Pataday, Astepro, Optivar, and Astelin. In some instances a longer period of time off these medications may be necessary. If you have any questions whether or not you are using an antihistamine, please ask the nurse or the doctor.
Oral H2 blockers, including Zantac (ranitidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Axid (nizatidine), and Tagamet (cimetidine), should be stopped 2 days prior to your scheduled skin testing. Proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole) do not need to be stopped for the skin testing.
Medications such as over the counter sleeping medications (e.g. Tylenol PM) and other prescribed drugs, such as amytriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil), hydroxyzine (Atarax), doxepin (Sinequan), and imipramine (Tofranil) have antihistaminic activity and should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to receiving skin test after consultation with your physician. Please make the doctor or nurse aware of the fact that you are taking these medications so that you may be advised as to how long prior to testing you should stop taking them.
No oral corticosteroids, including Prednisone and Prednisolone, should be used 5 days prior to scheduled skin testing. Inhaled corticosteroids, including inhaled and swallowed Flovent, do not need to be stopped for the skin testing.
If you are taking any of the above medications for chronic medical conditions and you have concerns about stopping the medications for any period of time, please contact the prescribing doctor’s office for further information.
Medications that YOU MAY take before your allergy scratch testing
You may continue to use your intranasal allergy sprays such as Flonase Rhinocort, Nasonex, Nasacort. Omnaris, Veramyst and Nasarel.
Asthma inhalers (inhaled steroids and bronchodilators), leukotriene antagonist s (e.g. Singulair, Accolate) and oral theophylline (Theo-Dur, T-Phyl, Uniphyl, Theo-24, etc.) do not interfere with skin testing and should be used as prescribed.
Most drugs do not interfere with skin testing but make certain that your physician and nurse know about every drug you are taking (bring a list if necessary).
