Non-diagnosed food allergies? How to know when to get tested?

parkit2010

At what point did you know you needed your LOs tested for allergies? My guys have "sensativities" to many things. They already have eczema, and trigger foods make it flare, their skin that was touched by the food becomes red and itchy. I will usually give them a bath to wipe the food off, and after a bit, it will clear up. Occasionally they will get diarreah from the trigger foods. The pedi says since they have only turned one year, and haven't had hives or other more serious reactions that we should just wait it out to see if they outgrow it. Problem is, I hate this guessing game of what will trigger them, last week I served them three meals in a row that caused our typical reaction. I keep a list of our trigger foods, so I discontinue serving them obviously, but I hate thinking that the next thing I serve may cause them misery! What would you do?

magdusia

If you suspect FA, go get him tested. If your pedi doesn't want you to, call your insurance and ask if a referral is necessary -most cases it's not.  So you can find one on your own.

When it comes to FA, knowledge can mean everything.  otherwise you will be walking on pins and needles until he gets tested. 

In the mean time, get a bottle of benadryl and have it on hand. 

g_belle

Our allergist says he's hesitant to test kiddos that have only had an eczema reaction unless it's an extreme case.  Our instructions for our youngest son are to not pull foods untl we've seen an eczema reaction twice to the same trigger.  Research is going back and forth on if avoiding certain foods can actually cause a stronger reaction.  I'd definately call for a consult and see what the allergist thinks. 

parkit2010

It's not necessarily their eczema affected skin that strictly has the reaction. Their normal skin also becomes bright red and very itchy. I put a call in to my pedi this morning, so we'll see if she has any new thoughts.

la79al

My DDs only reaction was eczema.  I had 3 doctors tell me it should clear up in over the summer so I did not go with my gut and get her tested.  Turns out the eczema was 100% caused by a milk allergy that I could have taken care of.  My poor baby had to be miserable for months because I didn't get her tested (our dr was also reluctant to test, even after I pointed out the milk allergy).  Turns out we have several allergies, some worse than milk, to things she hasn't been exposed to.  Long story short, do whatever you can to get them tested.  Even if their only reaction is eczema, wouldn't you want to end the itching if you could?!?!

watermelonmargarita

I would push for testing. Even if just a blood test by your pedi. Baby B was tested at 6 months because of eczema and late night crying from gas. I would get tested. As soon as you change their diet their skin will be so much better. My LO even after he was tested he became a new baby completely. He was much better to handle.