The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) reports that allergic disease has almost doubled in Australia over the past 25 years. Dust mites, pollen, foods, animal hair, insect stings and mould are just some of the things which cause allergic reactions. In young children, food is the most common cause of severe allergy.  However, reactions are rarely life-threatening and are most likely to cause eczema (an itchy skin rash) or hives, which often occurs on the face or around the mouth.  Many reactions to food are actually food intolerance rather than food allergies. Find allergy and intolerance products and services to help your children both online and in your local area.