Skin prick tests tomorrow for 19mo DD

[belindarose]

Is there anything I should know or do that will make this experience with my very headstrong toddler any easier? She's being tested, finally, after a mildish reaction to peanut butter about ten months ago. We were told to avoid nuts until now. Thanks

I'm afraid it will be a little difficult to keep her still and you may well have to hold her arm still whilst it's being done and stop her from rubbing or wiping the arm after the pricks have been made. I suggest buying a new toy/book that she hasn't seen before to distract her with. Or a sticker book, kids love stickers! A chocolate bribe worked well with my dd. The whole experience does depend on the skill and personality of the doctor/nurse. Our doctor was so engaging and told a little story whilst drawing pictures on dd's arm (she was being tested for animals so he drew them on her arm and then put the drops/pin pricked on the picture) that it took a while for her to realise she was being pricked. The last couple were a challenge though!
Don't forget to take some piriton with you for afterwards but DO NOT give it before or you may get a false negative.
Good Luck :)

Now I know this isn't what you asked, but thought it might help to know that skin prick tests really don't hurt at all (I've had them - a huge long line of them up my arm!)

You may well have to hold her arm (in fact if she's anything like my ds then definitely!) - it's more likely the situation which may be hard rather that it hurts IYSWIM. It's not like a vaccine which can be sore. I just thought I'd mention it because I hate thinking of my child in pain (obviously!) and thought it might help you to know it's not going to be hurt her.

HTH.

Thanks for all that. She will definitely be seriously wriggly! I'll find something tempting beforehand. Didn't think about piriton. Dint they provide it if required? Hopefully we'll get a dr/ nurse with a kid friendly personality! She's yet to meet a paed who can listen to her heart murmur. You'd think they'd have a few strategies!

Ugh, hadn't thought of the itchiness either. She hasn't really experienced itchy before. Def a trip to the shops beforehand then.

Hope it went well today.

Thanks. She did wail a bit and has rejected the teddy that they kindly gave her! I guess I wasn't expecting an allergy though and she tested allergic to peanuts. Will start a new thread about that later.