Allergy testing

[k8bailey]

Can allergy testing be done on children? if so, how is it done....blood tests, skin pricks? who does the allergy testing?

My daughter is 3, had a rash for a few weeks which dried her skin out quite badly, got better and then it came back again.

2 GPs initially said it was viral, now they're saying possibly eczema, so I'm wondering if it could be caused by an allergy or intolerance.....She was diagnosed as a baby as having cows milk protien allergy (CMPA). No tests were done at the time, and although its clear she has a problem with cows milk, I'm not sure whether it really is CMPA, or lactose intolerance or something else.

[Sqad]

Allergy testing can be done on children....not PRICK tests, but the needle doesn't pierce the skin, but just impregnates the skin without breaking it.
This method is fine for respiratory antigens e.g hay fever ect but USELESS for food allergens.

[tinkerbell23]

My ex attended one of those chinese herbalist shops in town and they took a snip of hair for allergy tests- came bk with a whole list of things to avoid x

[Eve]

I'd be wary of anyone non-medical with her being so young. An ex of mine had some bloke come round and test me as I was having so many tummy problems and it came back with a whole host of stuff. It picked up on a few accurately like horse hair - could have been random though as loads of stuff on the list. I was a bit dubious as it was these sensor things he had.

I've found trial and error works best for me, if something upsets me I avoid it (Dianette, artificial sweetners) so maybe keep a diary for her as to what she eats and comes into contact with (eg contact dermatitis) in case that shows something.

Does she have any pain or bowel symptoms like wind or diarroeah after lactose products which could suggest lactose intolerance?

[Sqad]

k8....I agree entirely with jenna....much of this allergy stuff is overplayed and based on abracadabra features rather than scientific medicine.

The only tests for food allergy or intolerance is the Elimination Diet and Food Challenge Test (Google it) and this is not always accurate. These tests are costly in time and in money and I would doubt that they would be available on the NHS and require the expertise of an Allergist and a, an Allergy Clinic....unusual in the NHS sector.

See you GP but don't be disappointed to receive a negative response.

[tinkerbell23]

Eczema usually goes hand in hand with dairy intolerance though x

[tinkerbell23]

Oh and perfume ie in soap and shampoo i only bought simple soap etc for him and also washed clothes in suncare i think it was called - eczema approved soap powder and softener xxxx

[Eve]

But lactose intolerance would normally produce other bowel symptoms as well. I'm guessing there must have been something as to the reference about the CMPA allergy but I'd have though if the littlun has a problem with cows milk then she wouldn't be having cows milk so likely her diet is pretty lactose free anyway?

It could just be general eczema in which case a good pharmacist or her GP should be able to advise on things that can help it.

[k8bailey]

thanks everyone...v.helpful as always!

She was diagnosed with cmpa before she was a year old, due to constant vomitting and is still on a special milk formula. She used to be v.bloated and suffered lots of diarrhea and constipation but no-one ever mentioned lactose intolerance to us.
We cut out all dairy and soya (she tried soya formula and was still sick) for a while but were advised to re-introduce it, so she does now eat cheese and products with dairy in in them but is sick if she has as little as 1oz of milk for 3 days. Also develops a dry red patch on her face if she eats yoghurt.

Thinking back she's always had bad patches with her skin, but now it's bothering her, I'd like to find out why and if possible, put a stop to it.

Gp has already been useless, don't mind paying if that's what it takes but obviously don't want to put her through anything which won't help.

i think I'll have to start with the obvious and cut out dairy.

[k8bailey]

if you're allergic to cows milk, can you have goats milk or is pretty much the same?

[Eve]

Allergy and intolerance are different.

I had a period where I couldn't tolerate dairy and wheat for a while so cut it out and then managed to reintroduce it after a while and have been ok since. I'm guessing something just made my system a bit more sensitive for a while (I had an eating disorder including going vegan for a while so don't blame it for overreacting to certain things).

I went onto soya milk so not sure about goats milk. I think lactose is a milk sugar so best to check for lactose free.

I went onto soya stuff and was ok on that. I discovered lacto free milk too which was ok - I was ok by then but my ex used it and I can't say I noticed the difference though I'm not a milk drinker on its own, only in hot drinks, cereal etc... I buy skimmed milk now but would happily have soya.

[Eve]

Sorry, should have specified Lactofree as a brand rather than just being lactose free...

http://www.lactofree.co.uk/

It can be found in the usual supermarkets.

[Eve]

Just reread what you wrote, if the had an allergy to cows milk as a baby then maybe she still has it. Young children can grow out of it, hence I figure the suggestion to try introducing it.

If she is getting symptoms again then the most obvious initial thing to try would be to eliminate it again and see if it helps.

[jno]

a friend took her daughter (who had eczema) to an allergy specialist, who simply had her hold out little bottles containing various foodstuffs. It seemed to work.