[bjk76]

DS is 22mo and had an allergic reaction (hives) to peanut butter at 13mo. We're going to see an allergy specialist on Tuesday for a skin prick test and I'm a bit worried about it, as DS hates doctors/any stranger who wants to touch him. He cries and squirms when the doctor tries to examine him. We've been able to get him to have 3 haircuts, although the most recent one (a couple of weeks ago) almost looked like we'd have to cancel, but we managed to calm him down.

I want him to go and have the test done now, even though he's still so young, so that he can have an epipen if he needs one. I'd also love it if we could test for other nuts, at least some of which I think he's not allergic to, as he's eaten food with almonds and pecans, with no reaction.

So, has anyone had experiences taking their toddler for a skin prick test, especially if they were wary of doctors?

Thanks.

[mummacat]

DS1 had is first lot of skin prick tests just after his first birthday. Try not to stress too much about it, the staff are all highly trained and do SPT on kids of all ages all the time.

DS1 test was done on his back for the first couple of years and they do this so they do not easily scratch them while you are waiting for a reaction. We took in DS1 favourite toy and be prepared to have to distraught them a fair bit while you are waiting. DS1 was done at a hospital first and we were sent to a playroom to play while we waited so that was good.

The allergist asked if there was anything that we wanted to test for and then tested for the most common allergens.

DS1 was fine, he was even fine after when the allergist was concerned how much he reacted to the peanut. They had to rush around and find a anti-histamine to give him as he reacted so much.

Have a new toy or a colouring book or something to give him and remember that they take cues from your emotions so if you are nervous they will pick up on this.

[bjk76]

Thanks for your reply mummacat! We had the appointment today and it went fine. The doctor did the test on DS's back, and DS cried and tried to squirm the whole time, but we got it done! He's only allergic to peanuts, although had a small reaction to rye grass. We're getting an epipen for when we go to the country to visit my parents, as we're not close to medical help there. The doctor said we don't really need an epipen in the city, especially at this point in DS's life.

[mummacat]

bjk76 I am glad to hear it was OK for your little one. We never got a epipen for DS1 as he was not ANA. We just always have a bottle of phenergan on hand all the time. Did the doctor give you an allergy management plan? We have needed this for childcare, Kindy and school.

We have found that over time DS1 reactions have decreased in the number of allergies and the severity. He started out allergic to peanut, eggs, dairy, soy and dust mite. Now it is just peanut, eggs and soy and his reactions are smaller and easily managed. We have started under the instruction of our allergist introducing a little bit of soy slowly into his diet once she is happy with soy we will start on egg slowly and then peanuts. I just thought I would let you know that their allergies can get better over time that is why we have at least been retested each year.

Good luck