Dandelion Eczema and contact dermatitis
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, and contact dermatitis is a rash caused by something the skin touches. An allergist can help look for triggers, including contact allergies, and plan care alongside your own doctor.
Common signs people are referred for
A doctor may refer you to an allergist if you or your child have:
- An itchy, dry rash that comes and goes or does not settle with usual skin care
- A rash on the hands, eyelids, face or neck that may follow certain products, jewellery or work materials
- A rash that appears hours to days after contact with something
- Eczema together with asthma or hay fever
- A child with eczema whose family has questions about food reactions
- A rash with no clear cause that has lasted a long time
These are reasons a doctor may suggest an allergist visit. They are not a way to diagnose yourself or your child.
How an allergist assesses it
Your allergist will ask when the rash began, where it appears, what makes it better or worse, and what touches the skin at home and at work. This includes soaps, cosmetics, metals, gloves and hobbies. Photos of the rash when it is at its worst are helpful. The skin is examined, and other allergic conditions are reviewed.
When a contact allergy is suspected, patch testing may be used. Small patches containing common contact allergens are placed on the back, worn for a period and then checked over several days, because these reactions are delayed. Patch testing is different from skin prick testing, which looks for immediate reactions.
If the history points to an immediate-type allergy, such as to a food or something in the air, allergy skin testing or blood tests may be used. A positive test alone does not confirm that an allergen is causing the rash, so results are read together with your history and examination.
The clinic will give you instructions before testing, for example about skin care on the area to be tested. Your clinic will tell you before the visit what, if anything, needs to be paused. Please do not pause any medication unless the clinic or your own doctor has told you to.
Treatment and management options
Eczema often needs steady, long-term care, and contact dermatitis often improves once the cause is found. Options may include:
- Skin care routines, including moisturizing, as guided by your doctor
- Avoiding triggers once they are identified, such as particular fragrances, metals or work materials
- Creams and other treatments prescribed by your own physician or allergist
- Managing any allergic conditions that are found alongside the skin problem
- Biologic treatments, which may be considered for some patients with more severe eczema
Your allergist will go over what is most likely to help in your situation.
Children and adults
Our pediatric and adult allergists see all ages. Eczema often starts in childhood, and contact dermatitis can appear at any age, so babies, children, teens and adults can all be assessed at the same clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is eczema an allergy?
Eczema is not itself an allergy, but it is common in people who have allergic conditions, and allergens can trigger flares in some people. An allergist can help find out whether allergies are part of your story.
What is the difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis?
Irritant contact dermatitis happens when the skin is damaged by something such as soap or frequent wetting. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to a specific substance. Patch testing can help tell them apart.
How is patch testing different from skin prick testing?
Prick testing looks for immediate reactions, such as to foods or pollen. Patch testing looks for delayed skin reactions to substances that touch the skin, and the patches stay on for a period before they are checked.
Will I need testing for my eczema?
Not always. Your allergist will decide whether testing is useful after reviewing your history and examining your skin.
Related reading
Getting an assessment
For patients
Patients cannot refer themselves. Ask your family doctor or a walk-in clinic to fax a referral to 416 850 9993, and our team will contact you to book.
How referrals workFor physicians
Send a referral through our secure online form, or read the referral guide first.
Open the referral formLast updated: October 2026Prepared by: Dandelion Allergy CentreGeneral information only, not medical advice. Your allergist's instructions take priority over anything on this page.