Urticaria and allergy tests.

[lucylocks]

Hi

I attended the Allergy and Immunology clinic yesterday because I have been suffering with Urticaria on and off for the last few months.

The consultant said the urticaria is because of histamine build up.

I had some skin tests on my arm, one being histamine amongst others.

It showed I am allergic to cats, dogs, grass and dust mites. The nurse said the histamine test would itch and sting but try not to scratch it. The strange thing was it did not itch at all. Another lady having the same tests said hers itched like mad.

When I went back in to see the consultant I told him this and he looked puzzled.

Ideally you are not to take antihistamines five days before the tests but as the urticaria was so bad I had to take a Piriteze on Saturday. The consultant was aware of this.

I did wondered if taking the Piriteze three days before the test may have in fact had an effect on histamine test, but than thought it could not have done because the other four tests showed positive.

Can anyone explain why the histamine test did not itch or sting.

Many thanks.

[lovesradio]

Sorry, no idea, just be glad it didn't!

[lucylocks in reply to lovesradio]

Thank you, but why glad it didn't ?

[lovesradio in reply to lucylocks]

Because the least pain you suffer the better! There's enough itch and sting with lots of conditions after all.