What causes it?

Skin allergies are the body's over-reaction to one or more allergens in our environment.

There are four main types of skin allergy, each caused by different allergens. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve the symptoms, but in order to choose an appropriate treatment, it's important to identify which type of allergy you have.

Contact dermatitis - From the Greek word meaning 'inflammation of the skin', dermatitis is caused by touching certain substances. In most cases, the main symptom is a red rash but it could be one of a number of allergens that causes it, including metals, chemicals, rubber, plants and even pets.

Prickly heat - Warm weather often causes the itchy red rash known as prickly heat. Nobody knows the exact reason for the reaction but some people think it's due to sweat getting trapped under the skin.

Bites and stings - Irritations from insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable but reactions tend to be short lived.

Urticaria - This type of allergy is often called nettle rash, because it comes up as an itchy red rash, raised in the middle. Confusingly, it has nothing to do with stinging nettles at all but is caused by eating a certain food or taking a particular drug.

Even the mildest skin allergies can make you feel uncomfortable but there are plenty of ways to treat them.