Allergies can occur in children of all ages. Symptoms vary but often include congestion, coughing, rashes, or trouble breathing. If you think your child has an allergy, discuss allergy evaluation test options with your doctor. Here’s what you can expect from each allergy test.

Skin Prick Test

A skin prick test is one of the most common types of allergy evaluations performed. During the test, your child’s arm or back will be pricked with a needle that contains possible allergens. If your child is allergic to one of these substances, their skin will react with red bumps at the test site.

If your child is on medication, they may need to be taken off of it before the test. Your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand.

Blood Test

To have a blood allergy test, blood will be drawn and sent off to a lab. The blood will then be checked for built-up antibodies. If your child has many antibodies built up to a particular substance, it could indicate that they have an allergy.

Patch Test

If your child has developed rashes and hives, a patch test can help determine what’s causing them. During a patch test, a patch with possible allergens will be placed on your child’s arm or back. This patch will need to be worn for up to 48 hours and be removed by your doctor. Once removed, the doctor will examine the skin for allergic reactions.

Intradermal Test

An intradermal test is most commonly used to test for allergies against insect venom and penicillin. During this type of allergy evaluation, a small amount of the allergen will be injected under the skin. After fifteen minutes the area injected will be checked for signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, bumps or swelling.

If you suspect your child has an allergy, contact the team at Mante Pediatrics for an allergy evaluation. Located in Chester, SC, Dr. Mante will work with you to find the root of your child’s symptoms. He also offers regular pediatric visits and specialized pediatric care. Visit their website to view their services or contact them at (803) 385-2075 to schedule an appointment.