We scratch tested milk, egg, and, for some reason, strawberry. Max is never well behaved at the allergists. I can understand this. He is anxious and he hates the scratch test almost more than the blood test. It is itchy and uncomfortable and Max has a very low tolerance for pain. There was lots of drama as he lie there writhing around, yelling that his back itched. He asked me to take a picture of his back.
In this first one the protein extracts are still on his back and I think make it look worst than it is. For those of you who haven't been through this procedure, the allergist puts a drop of the suspect protein on the patients back then "scratches" it. In our allergist case, she uses these little bristles and presses firmly into the skin. Then we wait for 15 minutes for the hives or wheals to rise. The nurse then comes in and uses a clear ruler to measure the size in millimeters.
The second picture is after the nurse has wiped away the extracts and rubbed a little hydrocortezone on to quell the itching. I think Max's skin was extra sensitive today. It was really dry with some patches of 
eczema. If he would let me put lotion on him it might not be so bad but he runs away screaming if I even suggest it.
eczema. If he would let me put lotion on him it might not be so bad but he runs away screaming if I even suggest it. When she started measuring the first one I asked if it was the control (one of the pricks if always histamine to assure that the skin is indeed reacting). She said no it was the milk and then showed me where the control was. The reason I think Max's skin was extra sensitive today was because the control was almost as large as the milk. Egg was larger and peanut, unfortunatley, the largest. I think I was disappointed with the peanut size because it was so small last year.
In any case, three positives. The allergist said it was good news because the milk scratch was smaller than last year so if his blood work comes back negative than we can oral challenge milk again. She even said we could try it at HOME but would need to stop at the first sign of anything happening.
So I need to get on the horn and schedule a blood test somewhere. I'll let you know the results.
9 comments:
I hate going through the testing process too and we've only done blood tests. Poor guy! I hope he's feeling better!
Have you ever used the lab on-site there? I've used it for 2 of my kids and found them to be really, really good.
Good luck! Hope the itchies go away soon!
Ariel, They don't take my insurance!
We have the same experience with the scratch tests at the allergist -- my daughter throws a fit, crying and saying how her back hurts and itches -- it is so upsetting. And I get pretty sad when I see the giant hives pop up. She also hates lotion, just like your son, and will only let me put a certain kind on, and only after baths -- no other time. I empathize with you!
Leigha
(www.foodallergyfamilyfun.blogspot.com)
Congrats on the lessening of the milk! Keep us updated if you decide to do a challenge. And good luck with the blood test. I know how hard that it!! We'll do ours in April.
I feel for you. I dread this every year. I am thinking about skipping it this year. I don't see them out growing them allergies in one year anyway. I figure we could take a break.
I'm right there about skipping this year,too!! Their uncle blew raspberries on their backs at Thanksgiving after he drank milk and brushed his teeth... my two oldest broke out everywhere he got them... my youngest didn't??
we are pretty fortunate that we can "test" at home just by exposing a tiny bit of skin to the allergen!
But ANY doctor's appts for us cause drama. My pediatrician is really good with them though... even through the drama.
Well maybe the milk allergy for Max is lessening??? That would be great!!! And here's HOPE for the peanut allgery to diminish soon!!
Do you have recommendations for good pediatric allergists? My son definitely needs testing, but I am not sure where to go. Thank you!
I have a little milk allergy myself. But I found out luckily in last week that it is a cow milk allergy. So have you tried to let him eat cheese of goat's or sheep milk?
And how about it being "only" a lactose intolerance? There are milk and yogurt etc. without lactose on the market
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