A skin allergy is the body’s over reaction to allergen(s) in our environment. Typical skin allergy symptoms are swelling or a rash. It may affect small areas or cover the whole body.

Common causes for skin allergies are : Jewelry metals such as Nickel (found in belts, coins), gold, various substances used in cosmetic products (fragrance mix, Quaternium 15, Formaldehyde, Ethylene diamine, etc), rubber (gloves, shoes), some plants, etc. Skin allergies can also be caused by food intolerance or food allergy - symptoms may include rashes or hives and may last from one minute to hours or days. Finally, Skin allergy may be due to dust mites, various air borne particles such as pollen, house dust, etc.

Allergy skin testing is a safe and simple procedure that can provide useful information about your allergic sensitivities.

Term Eczema is broadly used in many persistent skin conditions which cause dryness and recurring skin rashes (The term eczema is sometimes interchanged with another skin allergy condition called dermatitis. Eczema is acute dermatitis)

Rosacea is a common skin disorder and can affect people of any age (usually starts in the 30s and 40s), It begins as erythema (flushing and redness) on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also less commonly affect the neck and chest.

Urticaria (or hives) is a skin condition, commonly caused by an allergic reaction, that is characterized by raised red skin welts.

Urticaria symptoms : red, itchy, swollen area of skin that often appers in circular, raised welts in clusters (Hives can vary in size and usually affects the throat, arms and legs). Hives are usually caused by adverse reaction to medication, foods (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish) insect bites or other irritants. When the rash lasts less than 6 weeks it's called acute urticaria. When the rash lasts more than 6 weeks it's referred to as chronic urticaria.