Nuts and negative skin prick test

[BeeBawBabbity]

I have an 8 year old who is allergic to peanuts (and possibly coconut). I know this because I gave her peanut butter on toast when she was much younger and she reacted immediately. Not anaphylactic, but nasty swelling and hives all over her face, mouth, eyes ears etc. it was calming down by the time I sped into A&E. Since then she has reacted twice again: once when I've accidentally cross contaminated (sister had a peanut butter sandwich and I hadn't noticed traces on the worktop); and recently when we had complimentary peanuts brought to us on holiday. She didn't touch them, but there must have been traces on her glass, possibly the bar person dished out nuts then picked up her glass.

Anyway, in spite of this evidence she had a negative skin prick test for peanuts shortly after the first reaction, and i was wondering if anyone knows why this might be? It's always bothered me.

Skin prick tests are not always very reliable. The most important evidence in diagnosing allergies is a patient's history of reactions. Just because your DD doesn't react to skin contact with peanuts doesn't mean she won't react on eating them. From what you've said, she's clearly allergic so best to steer clear.

false negatives can happen. your daughters history has confirmed allergy really. got epi pens?

Thanks, I have a friend whose son has just been diagnosed, and she was really skeptical about my dd's allergy when I told her, I reckon she thinks I'm making it up!

Anyway, I wasn't given an epi-pen, I was told to use piriton. Which so far has always worked (touch wood). However I would feel safer with an epi-pen, so I might go back and ask. Especially since she's reacted three times now to things which don't even have traces of nuts, but do have coconut oil or milk or something in. So I think I can add that to the list.

peanuts aren't nuts but legumes, so be wary of peas, beans, lentils etc too :)

(my DD is allergic to beans and lentils as well as peanuts)

do try and get further medical advice.

if stuck for nearest name/place of clinic try the anaphylaxis campaign help line.
most are in london btw.