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To Poke or not to Poke - That is the Question

Many children suffer from allergies throughout the year. Frequently, a diagnosis is made using a test that involves scratching or injecting the skin with allergens, which can be unpleasant or downright scary to a small child. Ian Fox, D.O., a Botsford General Hospital pediatrician, believes this method can be avoided if parents take the extra time to pay special attention to their child's symptoms.

Allergy testing involves placing a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substance (allergen) on the forearm, upper arm or back and then scratching the skin so the allergen gets under the skin's surface. The area is closely observed for swelling and redness. This procedure can be uncomfortable for a child and can risk a server allergic reaction when exposed to the allergens.

There are alternative solutions to skin testing says Botsford pediatrician, Dr. Ian Fox. "If a parent notices when and where their child's symptoms occur," he says, "they can help the doctor diagnose the allergen and take appropriate action."

Dr. Fox explains that a parent should notice if their child experiences sneezing and watery eyes while at home, but they do not have problems while they are at school. If the family has a pet or someone smokes in the house, the cause of the allergies may be the animal dander or cigarette smoke. Dr. Fox explains, "The cause can also be determined if allergies occur during a specific time of year, such as throughout certain months when pollen circulates the air."

If the parent takes careful notice of symptoms and when and where they occur, together with their pediatrician they can narrow down what the source of the allergy is and help relieve their child's suffering.