Anyone ever had a "scratch test" done for allergies? UPDATE post #24

[fan_of_small_world]

I have an appointment at the allergist tomorrow, and they're planning to give me a scratch test for allergies. Has anyone had one? I'm not sure what to expect.

They said it would be done on my back, but I'm wondering if maybe I can ask them to do it on my arms. I'm worried that if I do have a reaction to anything, it will itch. I usually use benadryl cream for bites and hives, but since I don't have ape arms I don't think I'll be able to put that on my back too easily !

 

[lindakmonty]

I had it done when I was 4 I still remember it b/c the lady said it would feel like they let a kitten crawl around on my back. It wasn't horrible, from what I remember, but I would take something before I went in. That was 26 yrs ago

 

[LucyStorm]

It's been years, but from what I remember they use the arms for secondary tests, but the back because of the large surface area and the number of tests they need to do.

It was uncomfortable, but certainly not the worst thing I have ever had done.

 

[goldcupmom]

My DS has had it done. for his they took 2 things that looked like Hairbrushes with widely spaced bristles, each 'bristle' had an allergen on it. They used thes on his back to 'scratch' the allergen in - more like a small poke. They removed the 'brushes' immediately, then watched the different 'spots' to see which he appeared to react to - ie. what he was allergic to. As soon as they had enough info, they gave him some topical stuff and some benadryl ( or maybe dimetapp) to stop the reactions.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I had it done a couple years ago and it really depends on how many sratch tests they plan to do in one day. I had 60 or 80 done at one time so had to be on my back. I will say that it wasn't the most pleasant thing I've had done especially if you are sensitive skinned. My allergist put on some topical cream after he read the test, I'm allergic to every season Hope it goes well for you.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Thanks guys! I'm not sure how many they plan to do, since all I really called about was my alleged chocolate allergy. Yeah, it's minor compared to serious allergies, but a bit of a pain. I think I unknowingly had chocolate recently (at WDW, actually) and had no reaction. My allergy began 30 years ago, so it's quite possible that I outgrew it. I'd really like to know if I truly need to worrry about what desserts, and even Mexican food, I eat.

When I called about the chocolate, though, the receptionist said they'd do a complete history and see if there are other potential allergens worth testing. Since I usually get congested in the spring and fall, it will give me some good info, I hope.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

...I would take something before I went in.

I wish I could, but they told me I can't take any kind of antihistimine for 3 days before the test, as it could block any reactions that the test should produce, leading to a false negative. I'll have my benadryl in my purse, though, ready to take as soon as I'm done!

 

[Muushka]

I had the testing done about 10 years ago. I was 4+ allergic to more than 20 items. Oy, did I scratch. If I had to do it over again, I would bring a tube of "anti-itch gel" at the pharmacy, otc. It is clear and about $4 a tube and is great for any type of allergic reaction (even sea lice!).

I'll bet the person doing the testing would be glad to rub some on your back after the test is done.

Good luck!

 

[Kae]

Your Chocolate allergy sounds like my seafood, Barley & Hops Allergy. sometime it affects me & sometimes it is a combo of stuff that does me in. Like I can not drink any wine when having seafood or the next day I swell & feel crappy. Sometimes when I eat apples the roof of my mouth itches.

Like otheres have said the testing process doesn't really hurt,and not really uncomfortable just wierd.

Kae

 

[CheshireVal]

I had one done a few years ago when I was getting chronic sinus infections. I don't remember it hurting or even being uncomfortable. It just felt like a little scratch.

The annoying thing is that the nurse giving me the test said that I wasn't showing anything other than minor allergies to a few obscure weeds (she even specifically said how weird it was that I didn't seem to be allergic to dust mites like practically the rest of the planet).... but when the doctor called me into his office for the results, he told me I was severely allergic to cats and dust mites and needed to come in for weekly shots.

I walked out of that office and never went back!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I had one done a few years ago when I was getting chronic sinus infections. I don't remember it hurting or even being uncomfortable. It just felt like a little scratch.

The annoying thing is that the nurse giving me the test said that I wasn't showing anything other than minor allergies to a few obscure weeds (she even specifically said how weird it was that I didn't seem to be allergic to dust mites like practically the rest of the planet).... but when the doctor called me into his office for the results, he told me I was severely allergic to cats and dust mites and needed to come in for weekly shots.

I walked out of that office and never went back!

You know, there's a little voice in my head urging caution with the office I have the appointment with. I just called about chocolate, and before I even mentioned seasonal stuff they were talking about a whole bunch of scratch tests.

Maybe I should listen to the voices in my head!

Thanks for the warning...maybe I'll ask for a pic to be taken of my back or take a mirror so I can try to see what, if any, reactions, I truly have.

 

[Crankyshank]

They need to be thorough when assessing your allergy. You could have allergies you are not aware of.

I just had another scratch test done last year. I have them done every 10yrs to assess what allergies I still have and any that I might have developed. I never used to be allergic to dust mites and I developed an off the charts bad allergy to it over the past 10yrs. That's my example of why it's important to run the battery of tests even though you think you only might have an issue with one thing.

Do not take any sort of antihistamine, or put on any sort of ointment prior to the test!!!!!!!!! I cannot emphasize that enough.

It's really only mildly uncomfortable. It feels like a light scratch. The annoying part is afterwards when you have a reaction and it itches. I would bring a book with me because you will be waiting 20min after each round of shots to see if you get a reaction.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Had the scratch test done, allergic to 2 things. Of course I knew I was allergic to more but what do you do?

Fast forward to having to change my ENT due to insurance and TA-DA!!!!!! She was also an allergist.
She did the "serum arm test".

God bless that woman...she literally gave me my life back.
I don't have "severe allergies" but I have about 50 mild ones.

Well I got shots for 4 years until they didn't help anymore. I am not "cured" but I can get out of bed each day AND my face and eyes are not swollen shut anymore.

 

[noodles]

Let us know how it turns out. I had the scratch tests done on my back 30 years ago to find out what I was allergic to in Tab Pop. Turns out it was the caffeine. Im not sure how strong my allergy is today but I avoid it at all costs because I came very close to dying from my allergy when I was 1 1/2. I always wonder how strong the allergy is today but because I have such bad memories of the scratch test Im affraid to go have it done again.

 

[CindyKansas]

I think that the worse thing about the scratch tests is the fact that you can't take antihistamines for 3 days prior to testing. I also go every 10 years, with my last visit 3 years ago. My allergist's nurse always puts something on my back after the testing to help with the itching. Last go around I was still allergic to everything but cockroaches and mold. Now when it came to food allergies, the only thing that I tested positive for was peanuts, which I thought was odd being is that I am allergic to so many other non-edible items. I am highly sensitive to pet dander, grasses and tree pollen. I refuse to take shots so I live with it and take AllegraD which does help. Good luck and just be prepared for the itching. I have had the tests on my back and the back of my arms.

 

[ReggieB]

My DS6 had that done a couple of weeks ago. He had about thirty scratches done on his back. The first couple kind of hurt him a little, until he got used to it. He had to wait for 15 mins, then the doctor came back and checked it all out. DS was very good about it, he wanted to scratch, but he didn't. Pretty much every scratch came up, and pretty badly too. His back looked really sore (and for the next few days) The doctor put some ointment on it, which helped a lot. I think you'll be fine. Take something with you to distract you while you are waiting, that's the worse bit.

 

[sap1227]

My older son had to have them done when he was 3. They did his back and his arms (twice--once for food allergies and once for environmental). My brothers girlfriend had them done this week and she had both her arms and back done as well.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to watch one of my kids go through--the first time was not so bad but the second time he remembered it and was hysterical before it even started--hopefully as an adult it will be easier for you.

 

[OK!]

I had the arm test done many, many years ago (found out I was allergic to mold, grass, trees, weeds, and ragweed, so every spring, summer, and fall are a BIG treat for me ), but I've never had the back test done. I guess I probably should at some point to see if there are any new ones.

Good luck with your test & hopefully the itching won't be too bad!

 

[dodukes]

I just had arms done this past thursday and go back for round 2 this thursday, mine are scrath like, they prick your skin with the liquid with a little pointy thing and let it sit there. W/e comes up neg they then inject under the skin in my upper arm, needless tosay since almost everything cept cockroahes lol were positive, my arm is still looking pretty bad. I had no idea it lasted a few days, On the day after I called all concerned and they told me it was normal. It wasnt too bad cept that you want to scratch and you cant...youll be ok.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

No but my hamster had to have one last week He is much better now!