Skin Testing
A skin test helps us diagnose allergies in children. In the most common type, we gently prick or scratch the skin with a device that’s coated with one or more substances. This is also called a skin prick test or scratch test. Other skin tests use a fine needle to inject a substance a little deeper under the skin.
Skin tests are given on the forearm or the back. Once the substance seeps into the skin, we watch for swelling. This can take several minutes. Our pediatric specialists are highly skilled in analyzing results.
After your child’s allergy skin test, we may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis, like a blood test or an oral (by mouth) food challenge. This information helps us create the best possible care plan so your child can get back to feeling well and doing the things they love.
Learn more about Skin Testing at the Nemours KidsHealth Library
A skin test helps us diagnose allergies in children. In the most common type, we gently prick or scratch the skin with a device that’s coated with one or more substances. This is also called a skin prick test or scratch test. Other skin tests use a fine needle to inject a substance a little deeper under the skin.
Skin tests are given on the forearm or the back. Once the substance seeps into the skin, we watch for swelling. This can take several minutes. Our pediatric specialists are highly skilled in analyzing results.
After your child’s allergy skin test, we may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis, like a blood test or an oral (by mouth) food challenge. This information helps us create the best possible care plan so your child can get back to feeling well and doing the things they love.
Learn more about Skin Testing at the Nemours KidsHealth Library
Related Specialties
Conditions & Treatments
Skin tests can help us diagnose several types of allergies. These can include:
- Drug allergies — medicines like penicillin and others, and vaccines
- Environmental allergies — pet or animal dander, dust, mold, pollens, dust mites and more
- Food allergies — certain foods like peanuts, eggs and cow’s milk
- Stinging insect allergies — venom from wasps, bees, ants or yellow jackets
Expertise In Pediatric Allergy Care
Some children can have many allergies that happen together, or allergies that get worse over time. Nemours pediatric allergy and immunology specialists are experts in uncovering the cause and relieving your child’s symptoms.
We make testing convenient for you. We offer allergy skin testing at our hospitals and many community locations that may be closer to home.
We treat the full range of pediatric allergies. If your child has an allergy, we’re here for you. We treat all types of allergies — from food allergies and drug and vaccine reactions to allergic rhinitis.
We support your family. We know how allergies can affect families. We’ll tell you exactly what to expect during testing. We’ll also help you create a healthy, safe environment at home, school and in the community.