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?

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.

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.