I went in for a skin prick test and was tested on common allergens . Now I am curious about something.....?

Okay, went in for a skin prick test but my body did not react to the pricks so they shot me with 27 needles to make sure. However, this was EXCEPT for the food allergies because the nurse told me that food allergies always show up on skin pricks.


Is it true that food allergies can only be tested with a skin prick and not with a shot? I really think she should have tested me with the shots of the food allergens too just to make sure, but of course did not start thinking about it until now.

I went in for a skin prick test and was tested on common allergens . Now I am curious about something.....?
Sorry, this first part isn't really in answer to your question, but I had to respond to the person with the hives. Hives are NOT caused by stress, there are many many studies out there proving this. In the case of chronic hives (lasting longer than 6 weeks), the majority are due to an autoantibody; in other words it is an autoimmune disorder. Stress can indeed make the hives worse, but then again as anyone who has ever experienced hives knows, all that itching is STRESSFUL. Thre's an excellent support group on the yahoo groups site (search for urticaria - you can't miss this group, they're the biggest one on the internet). Also check out the International Chronic Urticaria Society's website - www.chronichives.com





In answer to the original question, I believe the reason the shots are not done with food allergy testing is that there is a very big risk involved - anaphylaxis. In general, the margin of error with skin prick testing is usually on the false-positive side rather than the false-negative side, unless you were taking medications at the time of the test which would suppress any possible reactions. If you don't feel the skin prick tests were sufficient, and strongly suspect certain foods, you can ask for RAST testing or a food challenge test. The food challenge test can be very helpful if what you are suffering from is a food intolerance or sensitivity rather than a true allergy.. The symptoms can be the same, but sensitivities and intolerances do not show up with allergy testing.
Reply:I haveta go. I'll answer it l8r
Reply:yes or no, trust her, she's a professional on that subject, you aren't so let her do the figuring
Reply:I just had this done, and they tested me for food allergies with the prick method. I showed nothing on the food allergens. I asked a ton of questions while I was there, so I think you are safe. They know what they are doing these days with these things. I am curious, what did you turn up allergic to? I am allergic to cats, trees, and dust. I guess I better go live in a bubble!
Reply:When in doubt get another test done. My hubby is severely allergic to all kinds of nuts. When they gave him the skin test on his back, his whole back swelled up. If you have asthma you should really get this test done, because when you have an allergic reaction it can completely close off your breathing. I'd get a second test. Better safe than dead.
Reply:When you go in for a recheck before you go make a list of all the questions you have and take it with you so you don't forget next time.And ask for the food allergen testing.
Reply:The pricks are very accurate rather than injecting you and taking a chance of severe allergic reaction.


Remember you were at the office for more than an hour (not waiting in the lobby but getting pricked again and again). What if you were to have a severe allergic reaction from an injection while driving home? Instead your skin is tested for allergens.
Reply:I just went for allergy testing and I too did not react to the pricks. They did not administer shots. They told me I needed further blood work. They think stress is the reason for my hives. I think it's funny that when they can't explain why something is happening they blame it on stress. Who doesn't have stress in their life????
Reply:No, I have some food allergies that do not show up on allergy tests. Technically, they are probably considered food intolerances, but they make me sicker than some allergies.