Kids with eczema and allergy testing?

savannah11

O has battled eczema on his legs since he was a baby.  I asked the pedi about allergy testing when he was 2.  She said she doesn't like to do the testing that young because it was just a snapshot of a particular time.  She said at two it was transitioning from environmental to food related allergies and could change from month to month.

A year later we are still struggling to control it.  I know for sure it is at least partly food related.  We've been pinpointed both orange and lemon as a trigger and avoid.  However, I suspect there are more things and wonder if it might help to get him tested now. 

So, for those whose kids have eczema, have they also done allergy testing?  Or, for those whose kids have had allergy testing, what did your pedi say about it?  How old was your child? 

rayskit10

It was my pedi who referred us to an allergist. Basically T has seasonal allergies that tend to cause a severe cough along with eczema. He was just over 2 when we brought him. The allergist did testing and found that he is highly allergic to several common pollens in Houston including Cedar and Pecan. he prescribed Singulair primarily but we also have nasal spray for when it's really bad and inhalers for when the cough pops up. It has been a life saver and made a huge difference.

I know the CW is that little ones don't have allergies but T's now confirmed allergies showed the same symptoms even when he was only around a year old. Even my pedi said that it's pretty undeniable. Again, she was the one that suggested we see one since his breathing issues were on going. I would not hesitate. The allergist may not be able to tell you anything but he may also be able to tell you a lot.

While I think food allergies are different from seasonal allergies, I can say that the Singulair makes a big difference for T's eczema. DH forgot to give it to him 2 nights in a row last week and we ended up having to use steroid cream on the backs of his knees b/c in 2 days it flared up so bad that it was crusting over and he was scratching at it.

So, I say see the allergist. 

savannah11

That's what I was thinking.  This is one of those times when I wish I had a PPO again.  I'll have to get a referral from his pedi.  Hopefully I can convince her it will be beneficial.  We've decided to start a food journal as well.  I just feel so bad when the backs of his legs look like they've been burned.

rayskit10

savannah11:

That's what I was thinking.  This is one of those times when I wish I had a PPO again.  I'll have to get a referral from his pedi.  Hopefully I can convince her it will be beneficial.  We've decided to start a food journal as well.  I just feel so bad when the backs of his legs look like they've been burned.

I can't believe your pedi wouldn't just give you a referral if you asked! I mean, I can but I can't. KWIM? One thing I really like about my doctor is that she doesn't feel insulted when I suggest seeing a specialist. Just tell her you want to. If she won't, I would consider switching pedis. That's a little controlling... 

BritanyV

We went to an allergist and Mason was tested at 20 months because we suspected some food allergies.  He wound up with food and environmental allergies.