Too Young to Test for Allergies?

[Spectra]

Today my doctor said that it is pretty much useless to do any allergy testing under the age of 3 as the tests usually come back wrong.  Is this what you guys have found out as well? 

So, for the mean time he told me to put him on goat's milk, don't give him any food with preservatives or any strawberries, raspberries, any citrus, chocolate, pork, fish, egg whites, and any cow dairy. This is to see if his eczema will go away with all these irritants out of the picture.  Did you guys find this as well?

[momtoandrewandthomas]

I posted on your other strand as well.  My allergist, who I really trust, has tested both of my kids.  he said even under the age of 5 they can be inconclusive or false negatives.  My older son has been tested yearly since 18 months for severe eczema and outdoor things and has been medicated since then for these. He actually shows mild or no allergies to outdoor things.  But, based on symptoms, the doctor follows him closely and we give him all sorts of things to help him breathe and sleep well and see.  If he is not medicated year round, he gets one ear infection or sinus infection after another (and he is allergic to multiple antibiotics).

Thomas (MSPI) has been tested once and all was negative but he shows signs of allergy with milk and soy consumption as well.  Most of his symptoms are GI upset and constipation, but he does get itchy and sneezy as well.  Interesting. 

[Mydreamcametrue]

I have heard that and been told that also, BUT they test babies as young as 6 weeks here in Virginia (US). 

Both of my kids were tested at 9 months. 

Tyler showed negative to everything, but shows clear signs of being allergic to oats, so we avoid them.  He is also intolerant to milk.

DS1 was tested at 9 months because he had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic.  He showed positive to several outdoor allergies and soy.  He clearly was MSPI until 18 months old and still has year round allergies.

So, my advice is.  Testing is good to know, but I would never go on what the test say.  We made that mistake with Tyler.  He showed negative to oats, etc. and gave them to him again and he got a very bad rash.

How is the goats milk going?  Any improvement?

[Spectra]

Well it's been a week and I haven't noticed any improvement.  Actually I see the eczema on his arms and legs getting worse even though I am also continuing to use the steroid cream.  However I do notice his eczema on his face getting much better.  But I'll continue this for probably another month to see what happens.

[momtoandrewandthomas]

I think your time frame sounds reasonable.  I know with Thomas that it took between 6-8 weeks for symptoms to develop and about as long for them to disappear as well.  It may be his immune system adjusting to somthing new.  I would give it the month and then you should either see a change or abandon ship!