Skin Prick Testing

Skin Prick Test

Skin prick test is an allergy skin test that is used to diagnose allergic conditions by identifying the allergen responsible for causing allergies. During a skin prick test, your skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Along with your medical history, allergy tests may be able to confirm whether a particular substance you touch, breathe or eat is causing symptoms.

Skin prick test is a safe test for children and adults, can be performed in allergy specialist doctor’s clinic, and gives results instantly. It can be performed in infants as young as 10 months.

Why do children need a skin prick test?

The skin prick test is widely used to determine the substance your child mild be allergic to, that is causing all the troubling symptoms in him. It is used to diagnose the following allergic conditions:

Allergic Rhinitis

Asthma

Atopic Dermatitis

Urticaria

Food allergy

By identifying the culprits that are causing allergies, better avoidance measures can be taken. In children with allergies that are not controlled with medications, immunotherapy targeted against these allergens is advised. Immunotherapy has promising results in theoretically curing allergies.

How is the skin prick test done?

The skin prick test is typically performed on the forearm or back, where the skin is clear and easily accessible. It’s a quick and relatively painless procedure that provides valuable information about common allergens like:

Pollen

Dust mites

Pet dander

Mold

Foods (e.g., peanuts, eggs, milk)

Insect stings

Certain medications

A small drop of the allergen is placed on the forearm (or back in infants) after cleaning it. Then the doctor lightly pricks the surface of your skin under each drop so a small amount of the allergen seeps into the skin. The procedure isn’t usually painful but some people find it slightly irritating.A positive control (histamine) and a negative control (normal saline) is also inserted to confirm the validity of the test. The arm (or back) is then observed after 15-20 minutest for presence of any reaction. In case your child is allergic to something, a reed itchy bump will develop on the site of prick. This test can be performed to test for more than 50 allergens at a time.

What preparations do we need for a skin prick test?

Before scheduling a skin prick test, doctor will ask you to stop all anti-allergy medicines that your child might be taking for a week. Though, nasal steroids and inhaled medications can be continued. Any skin creams and ointments must be avoided on the day of the test. You must inform your doctor about any medications that the child must be taking.

If your child has had a severe, sudden, life threatening reaction to any substance then this test cannot be performed.

In case of eczema or psoriasis involving the arm, test has to be deferred until the rash subsides.

Benefits of the Skin Prick Test

Quick and Efficient: Results can be available in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Minimal Discomfort: The test involves only small pricks, and it is generally well-tolerated by children.

Accurate Diagnosis: It’s one of the most reliable tests for identifying allergens.

Wide Range of Allergens: It can test for many different allergens at once, reducing the need for multiple tests.

Safe for Young Children: The skin prick test is suitable for children as young as one year old.

Where can I get a skin prick test?

This test is performed by an allergy specialist or a pulmonologist. Dr Ritika Goyal has performed more than 200 skin prick tests on infants, older kids and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the skin prick test safe for my child?

Yes, the skin prick test is safe for children. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal risk. However, as with any medical test, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, but these reactions are typically mild and temporary. Your pediatric pulmonologist will ensure your child is closely monitored during the test.

2. Will the skin prick test hurt my child?

The test involves tiny pricks to the skin, which generally causes minimal discomfort. Most children experience only a slight pinching sensation, and there is no pain afterward. Some children may experience a small bump or redness where the allergens were applied, but this usually disappears quickly.

3. How long does it take to get results from a skin prick test?

The skin prick test takes around 15-20 minutes. After the allergens are applied to the skin, you’ll need to wait for a short period to see if any reactions occur. Your doctor will assess the results immediately after the waiting period.

4. What allergens can be tested using the skin prick test?

The skin prick test can test for a wide range of allergens, including environmental triggers like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, as well as food allergens like peanuts, eggs, and dairy. Your pediatric pulmonologist will select the most relevant allergens based on your child's symptoms and medical history.

5. At what age can my child have a skin prick test?

The skin prick test can be performed on children as young as 1-2 years old. However, the test is most commonly done in children who are around 3 years old or older, as they are more likely to cooperate and tolerate the procedure.