The Effect of Medical Clowns and Topical Anesthetic Cream on Pain and Anxiety in Children Undergoing Allergy Skin Tests

Allergy skin tests are occasionally associated with pain and anxiety in patients undergoing this procedure. The investigators intend to examine if medical clowns compared with local anesthetic cream can decrease these feelings in children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any child undergoing allergy prick skin test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children suffering from coulrophobia (phobia of clowns)
• Children with a known hypersensitivity to EMLA 5% cream
• Children who have undergone a painful medical procedure (surgery, dental procedures, blood drawing) over the past 3 months
• Children who, for medical reasons, must have their skin test performed on an area other than the volar aspect of the arm