Anyone ever had an allergy skin prick/scratch test?

[Whoa_Nelly]

Am having one done on the 17th. Have had idiopathic hives for almost 4 years now, and blood tests have revealed nothing.

Does it hurt to have the skin test?
Will I have to wait long?
Can I have it done on my arms instead of my back?

Thanks for any encouragement and experience! :hi: :loveya:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Years ago.

It didn't hurt, they just make little scratches and see if there's any reaction. I don't remember how long it took to get the results but it seems like it wasn't very long. Sorry I don't remember much else.

[Whoa_Nelly]

25. Little scratches...

Somehow I've been picturing some sort of small stabbing and jabbing torture! :rofl:

Good to know it's just little scratches!!

Thanks, ocelot! :hi:

[flvegan]

2. Prick test on my back.

Didn't hurt at all. It's really just laying there and wondering what they'll find.

I'm allergic to everything btw, but it was well, well worth it. 30 minutes of procedure ended a couple decades of suffering.

[Whoa_Nelly]

6. Have been allergic to very little all my life

Good to know the wait won't be long.
Am assuming I just sit it out at Doc's office...

Thanks, flvegan! :hi:

[Breeze54]

3. Not me but my son did at age 18 months old and he survived it!

:P

It didn't even make him cry, if I recall correctly but it was a long time ago.

He was allergic to tree's, penicillin, pollens, molds... and the list went on and on... ugh!

Explained a lot! ;)

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. If he can do it, then so can I!

Brave boy!

Thanks, Breeze! :hi:

[Breeze54]

9. It's just a little scratch... they don't inject you....

You'll be fine! :hug:

:hi:

[democracyindanger]

4. As a kid

Didn't hurt, but every time the nurse wrote a note on my back with her ballpoint pen I couldn't help but laugh.

I don't think they'd be able to do it on your arms. There are a lot of scratches to be made, and your arms wouldn't have the surface area.

[Whoa_Nelly]

8. Am hoping I get some answers from this

Thanks re: the laughing part! I know I'll be tickled by the witing in my skin if that happens! :rofl:

Thanks, democracyindanger! :hi:

[Eurobabe]

7. Yes, had a wheal test

No it doesn't hurt at all. You get the results almost immediately, because they measure the results of the reaction. I had mine done on my inner arms.

It surprised me WHAT I was allergic to: strong reaction to mites, cockroaches (good cause they skeeve me anyhow), some trees, grasses, mild reaction to cats.

Is this the test you were referring to?

PS. Make sure your thyroid is functioning correctly, sometimes thyroid imbalance can trigger hives. :hi: :hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

12. Am going to bring up the thyroid possibility

Am wondering if they will test for nitrates and sulphites...?

Have already spent over $1,000 on blood work in the last two years...nada!!! :(

The hives have been pretty much kept at bay with strong antihistamines, but recently have had several severe outbreaks from neck to knees :scared:

Thanks 48%er! :hi:

[Eurobabe]

18. I know some of the folks in my thyroid forum have

idiopathic hives, many of us have autoimmune issues (I have hashimotos thyroiditis and antibodies against my thyroid gland, you have to specifically ask for these tests) and there is some question about possible h. pylori (sp?) involvement?

Here's a link about the autoimmune thyroid stuff, in the middle of the article/website, worth at least asking about...unfortunately hashis is becoming more and more common. :(

http://www.worldallergy.org/public/allergic_diseases_center/urticaria/urticaria.php

[Whoa_Nelly]

28. Thyroid forum!? Wow! Didn't know there was one!

One of my dearest oldest friends has Hashimoto's. Will come visit you guys there!

Thanks! :loveya: :hug:

[Eurobabe]

37. Not on here

Mary Shomon's website, http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-thyroid

[Kali]

10. had one on the arm a few years ago

I sold myself for scientific/medical experiment and was in a test of OTC allergy meds. I was allergic to grasses and chenopods. Duh I already knew that from life, but it was interesting to see the welt form so fast! No it didn't hurt, but make sure they are paying attention because there is a very slight chance of severe overreaction and shock. (they should know that, of course - it is their business)

[Whoa_Nelly]

15. THank you, Kali!

From what I have read here, am glad to understand I won't be going home while waiting for results..and that makes sense! If there's a bad reaction, good to be there at the Doc!

Thanks! :hi: :loveya:

[SPKrazy]

11. Yes I've had them

as a child

and twice as an adult

Does it hurt: Not really, it is a bit annoying especially if you react, then you have itchy spots.
Will you have to wait long? Shouldn't have to, seems like there is a large spectrum, then a smaller one, then a smaller one, and that is pretty much it

(large back, smaller ones on arms) They use an instrument that has a lot of little needles so they can do the pricks all at once (that doesn't sound quite right :P )

I think whether it is arms or back depends on how much you are being tested for and what, as well as the allergist's preference.

There are allergists who draw blood, and look at reactions to allergens by reactions in the blood. I don't know if it is as accurate.

I don't think it will be a bad thing for you and not uncomfortable for very long.

Don't take any antihistamines beforehand, and probably for a few days whatever they recommend. That may make your hives worse for a few days?

Hope it all goes well friend

:hug: :hug:

:loveya:

[Whoa_Nelly]

13. Thanks, SPK! Lots of good info!

I am scheduled to stop taking all drugs on July 14...three days before the testing Am just finishing up a week of Prednisone to get things under control as have had two extremely heavy outbreaks in the last two weeks...neck to knees, lasting almost two hours each times :cry:

Am glad I will be at the Doc, and I know they will be handy if needed for a bad reaction

Thanks! Will keep you posted!
:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

17. No specific input on this, Who_Nelly, just one BIG hug!

Husband had some testing on his arms and I watched them do it. :hug:
The only one that turned into a welt was the one test to prove you are "prickable" -- that one did cause him to itch for about 1/2 hour.

He's none the worse for wear -- has a post-nasal drip occasionally, but they can't link it to anything specific.

Feel better.

Warm regards,

Lady Ellen of Alpen Knoll

[Whoa_Nelly]

21. Thanks, Radio_Lady!

Figured I better do this while on summer break from teaching.

I want answers and less outbreaks!

Again, thanks! :hi:

[LeftyMom]

14. I was surprised to discover there are several things I'm not allergic to.

:eyes:

[Whoa_Nelly]

20. awwww....

:hug:

[LeftyMom]

23. I got a good deal better once I got the dietary ones out of my system.

I can't do anything about the hay fever, etc, but my body handles those better- my eyes don't swell shut from pollen anymore, at least, and I don't have asthma attacks.

[NewEnglandGirl]

16. I've had the tests too

arms and back. It doesn't hurt. It's a good idea to do that for hives, they can turn into a problem. I get them sometimes and don't know why, claritin works well on them. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find out what the culprit is !!!:hi:

p.s.They did my back because they couldn't get clear readings from my arms. I was only there about 90 min. They give you the results immediately.

[Whoa_Nelly]

19. NewEnglandGirl!

Then you know the misery of a hives outbreak. Mine are the size of dinner plates as they spread, sometimes even into my armpits and all over my chest. Utter misery!
Am taking 180mg. Allegra daily, have child dose liquid Zyrtec on hand to take if an outbreak, and have to take an additioanl Allegra at that time (am hypersensitive to Zytec...makes my WIDE AWAKE! and like a cat on the ceiling!)

I feel so much better about getting this testing done from all that's been shared here! :hi:


Thanks! :pals:

Biggest concern is going off the meds for the three days before the testing :scared:

[NewEnglandGirl]

22. I hear you about the meds

I had to do that plus go off my nasal steroid spray for, I forget how many days before. My nose was so stuffy, it was such a pain.

With my hives they're not as large as yours (wow) and I will occasionally get them for a few days and I just use the claritin. You'll be so much better off when they identify your allergy and you can get off all of that medicine. Let us know!!!

:hug: :hi:

[jobycom]

24. Yes.

Not me, though. I just like answering "Has anyone ever" type questions as though I know what everyone has ever done.

[Whoa_Nelly]

26. AHa! You have a deep-seated need to belong!!

But, we'll let you join anyway! :P

:hi:

[jobycom]

29. That,

and a ridiculous streak of smart-ass.

[Inchworm]

27. ummmm, doctors are good

post again on 18th :P

:hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

30. I have a really great allergist

And I WILL post about it afterward.
You are such a silly Birthday Boy! :party:

[some guy]

31. OK

Just a little pinprick.
Therell be no more --aaaaaahhhhh!
But you may feel a little sick.

:D

I hope you don't (feel a little sick, I mean.) I've never had that test. I don't think I'm allergic to anything.

Best wishes - it'll be a piece of cake.

:hug: :loveya:

edited for clarity.

[Whoa_Nelly]

32. Will update after the 17th

Good to see you some guy!

ANd I LOVED the Lady Fingers Raspberry YUM! cake you posted for Crimmie! :9

(She'll be back in to see it all...she's had the flu all day... :( )

[some guy]

33. it was a good looking picture

yum indeed!

She seems to not have the best luck. Flu on her b-day. That's no good. :(

:hi:

[dropkickpa]

34. EasyPeasy

Have had them done several times. I am basically allergic to everything that emits pollen/spores and a couple others (dust mites, cats, rabbits, etc). My dust and mold allergies make sure that I'm allergic and reactive 365 days a year, but my allergy meds keep it under control pretty darn well. For me, the combination of zyrtec and singulair have worked wonders when any other antihistamine just didn't do a hing for me. If I go more than 30 hours without my zyrtec, I start getting insane all over itchiness and hives again (spent 22 years of my life that way), they are not sure what exactly causes the constant reaction (could be a combination of several of my allergies or the fact I have dermographitis), but once I found the stuff that worked for me it was a miracle!

One reason they do back instead of arms is the larger surface area and the skin texture/quality is pretty much exactly the same all over it, another is that you're less likely to be able to scratch if/when it starts itching! That was the worst part, waiting the 15 minutes until they checked them and resisting the urge to scratch holes in my back.

My initial appointment with my allergist, who I love to death, took a total of 90 minutes including his initial interview and exam, skin test, and findings review. I also had some RAST (blood) testing done for the more obscure (I do some work with exotic animals) potential allergens I come in contact with, but RAST is not as accurate.

[Whoa_Nelly]

35. Thanks, dropkickpa!

Wish Zytec worked for me. Am hypersensitive to it...am the cat on the ceiling for 8 hours when I take it. They think it has something to do with me being a redhead.

Am feeling much more at ease about having the skin testing now thanks to you, and all the other great DU'ers here!

:loveya: :hi: :hug:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

36. Sounds like me except for the hives.

I'm allergic to furry things like wool, dogs, cats, pollen, molds, yada yada, food from the nightshade family (tomatoes, bell peppers), shellfish........and I also have the Hashimoto's thyroid problem.

I had it done on my arms. When the spots started reacting, my arms look like they had been stung by mosquitoes flying in formation. Then the doctor's assistants came in and rubbed cortisone cream on my arms, since I couldn't scratch myself (had to keep my arms outstretched)....took a few minutes to work, but it worked.

Taking Allegra-D and other meds at the moment.

[tinymontgomery]

38. Mine were done on my arms

little pricks, didn't really hurt. results for me were almost instantaneous. 36 out of 38 were positive and my arms blew up. But I'm glad I did it, been getting shots for close to 15 years and they do help.

[Whoa_Nelly]

39. And here I thought I was all done with little pricks in my life!

:P :rofl:

Seriously...thanks for letting me know your experience.
I feel confident that whatever shows during the test next week, I will weather through it, especially thanks to all of you here who have helped to allay my fears. :hug: :loveya: :hi:

[mnhtnbb]

40. Had the test, on my arms, and won the award for "most allergic person of the day'

at the allergist's office.

It doesn't take too long. Doesn't really hurt.

[Whoa_Nelly]

42. Only one prize given daily!

And where are you displaying your Giant Sneeze O'the Day trophy? ;)




Thanks for the encouragement!
Am now thinking this is going to be one of the most interesting doc visits I've ever had! :hi: :loveya:

[SacredCow]

41. I feel your pain (or itches, as the case may be)...

I have suffered from chronic hives off and on my entire life, with no earthly idea as to what triggers the attacks. I'll be asymptomatic for years, then gradually they'll come back, peak, then fade away again for years.

I never had the testing done because it would have been shots in the dark since there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for when the attacks started. Plus, a combination of zyrtec and tagamet seemed to keep them at bay. The last I heard (I've been on an off cycle since probably 2004), he was of the opinion that I might have some kind of wierd auto-immune thing that has a cyclical nature.

Hope it turns out well for you!

[Whoa_Nelly]

43. Thank you, SacredCow!

and :hug: :hug: :hug:
I understand a lot of what you have been going through!

[KatyMan]

44. I had one years ago

and don't recall it hurting. Test results came back the same day.

And remember, it's ok to prick your finger, but don't...well, you know the rest....

[Whoa_Nelly]

46. I will remember the joke

as I am pricked :P

Thanks, KM! :hi:

[Justpat]

45. I had it done back in my mid twenties.

It doesn't hurt and the results will be obvious real soon.

I have worked outdoors all my life, so imagine my surprise to learn I was
allergic to grass, trees and all kinds of animals.

[Whoa_Nelly]

47. By what has been posted by all in this thread

Am thinking I'll come away with more information than I ever dreamed!

Thanks, OB! :hi: