Has anyone ever had a skin test done for allergies and if so do they hurt?

There are two different methods of skin testing - patch and scratch. Most people above described the scratch test, and I saw one person above describing the patch test (wear the patches for a few days). Someone else mentioned the blood testing - this is called RAST, and is much more expensive and not always as sensitive a test as skin testing can be. If you are being tested for typical allergies, testing can be helpful in pinpointing allergens, but there are some things you should be aware of.





First, if you are suffering from hives, being tested while actively hiving can produce false results. And if you are hiving due to chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than 6 weeks), skin testing is considered contraindicated - for some chronic hivers it can be dangerous, and for many hivers the results are not reliable.





Second, sometimes people have sensitivities rather than allergies, and sensitivities will not show up in allergy testing. True allergies are to proteins, while people can be sensitive to many different substances. And intolerances, such as gluten or lactose, will not show up in allergy testing.

Has anyone ever had a skin test done for allergies and if so do they hurt?
I've had the skin tests...they just poke stuff into your skin...its just a little prick doesnt hurt really at all
Reply:no it doesn't hurt.just little scratches
Reply:The skin scratch tests are old and antiquated. They can tell you what you're allergic to w/ a simple blood test.
Reply:Im a nurse and have performed some allergy testing before. Basically they will just apply some patches which contain tiny amounts of what they are testing reactions for. You wear these plaster type numbered patches for several days and then return for the results.
Reply:it dont hurt its little picks thats all my 5 year old had it done with out a tearrr
Reply:I have had it done. Some of it is a little uncomfortable but no actual pain. The worst part is if you are allergic to something they are testing you for then you will itch. But go for it. You wont regret it. And the needles are not to give you a shot. They go under the skin like a TB test.
Reply:It is the same method use for T.B. test.It does not hurt,stings a little.But it will be worth the benefits if they can identify your allergies.
Reply:it doesn't hurt at all but it itches a lot if your are allergic to something! Then you help yourself with ice-cubes, until its gone
Reply:I have just completed two sets of allergy testing - two weeks in a row - 32 tests each time. It is definitely not painful, however, some of the shots were uncomfortable. The nurse administering my shots was a true professional and was able to keep a conversation going to assist me in not thinking too much about what was happening. The first set of shots contained very little serum, and I did not show too much sensitivity, however, the next week, wham! molds and pollens for me - showed a score of 3 out of 4. Good luck and go for it!
Reply:kind of like getting a bunch of mosquito bites at the same time
Reply:Skin test are more accurate. I had the skin test and the blood test done, the skin test told me exactly what I was allergic to such as cats. The blood test blended cats and dogs so I did not know if I was allergic to cats, dogs or both. The skin test consist of little pricks, they dont hurt, but when you start to have an allergic reaction it itches really bad and you can not scratch

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