Pediatric Skin Allergy Test in Atlanta, GA

Several common pediatric allergies can cause allergic flare-ups during allergy season in children; they include:
 
– Pollen Allergy

Pollen allergies will often include grass, tree, and weed pollen. Pollen is the main cause of allergic rhinitis, which is commonly known as hay fever. These symptoms of a pollen allergy will often affect the throat, nose, and airways. The most common symptoms of pollen allergies include coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
 
– Mold Allergy

Mold allergies are a common indoor allergy; however, mold can also be found outdoors. This can make it difficult to avoid. The most common symptom that occurs due to a mold allergy is asthma. When children breathe in mold spores, it can cause breathing issues and wheezing. This allergy is particularly important to control.
 
– Food Allergy

Many around the world suffer from food allergies. Several different food options can evoke allergic reactions, but certain foods cause almost 90% of food allergies; they include:
 
– Eggs
– Fish
– Shellfish
– Tree nuts
– Peanuts
Several different food options can be Cow’s milk
– Soy
– Wheat
 
These foods can cause major allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. These reactions normally occur due to ingesting the food; however, direct contact can also cause these allergies.
 
– Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mites are known as tiny organisms that live within mattresses and bedding. They are mostly harmless, with the exception of those who suffer from dust mite allergens. Dust mites will often cause sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and breathing issues.
 
– Pet Allergy

Household animals like cats and dogs cause most of the pet allergies in children. Pet dander and saliva are the main causes of this allergy flare-up to begin. Pet dander and saliva will often trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and breathing issues. Pets will often go outdoors, which can also cause more pollen allergies if they bring the pollen indoors.

There are a few different skin allergy tests available to test children for any allergies. Often a small amount of a suspected allergen will be placed on or even below the skin to see if a reaction will develop.
 
There are three different types of skin tests available for children:
 
– Skin prick test
The allergist will lightly scratch or even prick the child’s skin with a drop of liquid that will contain a possible allergen.
 
– Intradermal test
The child will be injected with a small amount of allergen solution.
 
– Skin patch test
A patch with the allergen solution will be secured to the child’s skin for a minimum of 24 to 72 hours.
 
The allergy skin test is often mandatory as a way to help the allergist to find out what the child is allergic to. Before the allergen tests are to be completed, the doctor will need to know all of the medications the child is taking. They may recommend the child stop taking certain medications before getting the allergy skin test.

There is no absolute minimum age for skin allergy testing; our board-certified allergists can safely perform these tests on infants, toddlers, and older children. However, the ideal age for testing largely depends on the specific symptoms your child is experiencing.

If you suspect a food allergy—for example, if your baby develops hives, severe eczema, or breathing issues after starting solid foods—we can test them immediately, even within their first few months of life. Identifying food triggers early is critical for your child’s safety and well-being.

Conversely, environmental allergies to things like pollen, mold, or dust mites typically require repeated exposure over several seasons to develop. For this reason, we generally wait until a child is at least two to three years old before conducting skin tests for seasonal or indoor allergies. Regardless of your child’s age, our team uses gentle, virtually painless techniques to ensure they remain safe and comfortable throughout the process.

Our board-certified allergists, Dr. Jon E. Stahlman, MD, and Dr. Deidre D. Crocker, MD, help treat skin allergies in toddlers. You will need to break the itching and scratching cycle that they often do at night, which can cause issues. You will need to keep the skin healthy, clean, and moist; you can do this by:

– Drying any drool
– Being gentle
– Clipping their fingernails short
– Bathe daily
– Moisturize the skin after the bath
– Dressing them in soft cotton fabrics for bed
– Spot any infections and treat them

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2987 Clairmont Rd #175, Atlanta, GA 30329. We serve patients from Atlanta GA, Brookhaven GA, Chamblee GA, Decatur GA, Dunwoody GA, Tucker GA, Sandy Springs GA, and the surrounding areas.