There are many types of dermatitis - psoriasis, bullous and childhood dermatitis are but some. Perhaps one of the most common is allergic contact dermatitis caused by external compounds, preservatives, fragrances, or plants (ie poison ivy dermatitis).

If you've suffered from a red itchy rash on your finger after wearing rings that contain nickel or had itchy eyes with the application of mascara you may have a contact allergy. Today so many of us are exposed to chemicals in almost every aspect of our everyday life that some peoples immune systems are being triggered more easily by even small irritants. The thing about these types of allergies is that the skin won't necessarily react on first exposure; it can take a number of exposures before you're skin becomes sensitive.

The most common causes of allergy contact dermatitis are nickel, gold, synthetic fragrance, balsam of peru (found in skin care products and perfume), thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines), neomycin sulfate and bacitracin (topical antibiotics), formaldehyde (preservative in paper products, paints, building materials, medications and household cleaners), quaternium-15 (preservative found in skin care products and industrial products like paints, polishes and waxes) and cobalt chloride (metal found in medical products, hair dye, antiperspirants, and snaps, buttons and tools)

To find out if you have dermatitis take a patch test like the True Test which examines the skin's reaction to 29 different allergens. You skin care regime is one of the first places to look if you suffer from skin sensitivities and possibly allergic contact dermatitis.

Use an organic skin care range like Essential Care (which was created specifically for very sensitive skin), No Scent by Green People or SOS by Barefoot Botanicals. Removing allergy triggers from your life will slowly ease discomfort of skin irritations caused by this kind of dermatitis. It may not happen over night but within a few weeks your skin will be thanking you.

I've been doing a bit of research of late on how to protect my skin from mosquitos. One of the easiest and best ways to naturally deter insects is to create your own blend of base and essential oils.

One recipe that I've come across that doubles up as a moisturiser and sunburn soother is this one.

Ingredients:
• 100 ml Grape seed oil
• 30 drops Citronella essential oil
• 15 drops Cloves essential oil
• 5 drops Carnation oil

Blend these together in a glass bottle by shaking for long enough so that the oils do not separate. If you have especially oily skin swap the grape seed (which is great for dry skin) with jojoba oil. This measurement of oil (100ml base oil) is a good size for travel.

If mixing your own doesn't suit or is too finicky for last minute travel preparations Essential Care make a great natural insect repellent. Mosimix is a certified organic, vegan aromatherapy massage oil based on lemongrass, lavender and thyme which a great at warding of unkindly skin biting predators. It's great to use when gardening, walking or holidaying.

But be warned: these natural repellents don't include the malaria, yellow fever and dengue areas of the world. Unfortunately, for a short time at least, most believe you need something more toxic that contains DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide - a chemical originally tested as a pesticide on farms).

I'm going to go for the natural alternatives (at my own risk) simply because they're better for the environment (in particular local waterways) and my health. I'll let you know how I fair with our midgy friends come November when I enter the forests of Guatemala and Ecuador!

300g Cooking Chorizo
Olive Oil
Garlic (1 bulb of young wet garlic or 3 cloves)
1 Large Onion, sliced
10 Midi Tomatoes - halved
Fresh Thyme (or dried)
Fresh Oregano (or dried)
500g Passata
Spinach / Swiss Chard
Small Carton Double Cream
500g Spaghetti (or Penne)
Salt & Black Pepper
Parmesan to Serve

Will serve 4-6 people depending on your appetite. 4 very hungry people could probably manage to put it all away, but we had dinner for 3 then lunch for 3 out of it the next day.

I made this recipe up when I couldn't think what to do with the spinach that came with my veg box. It's really quick and easy and very tasty.

Slice the chorizo to about the thickness of a £1 coin.

Add some olive oil to a deep frying pan. Fry the chorizo, onion and garlic until soft and coloured.
Meanwhile place the tomatoes until the grill, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme and salt and pepper. Grill until softened and starting to brown at the edges.

Add the grilled tomatoes and passata to the chorizo pan.

Add the fresh oregano and simmer for 20 minutes

After 10 minutes put your spaghetti on to boil and at the same time add the shredded spinach to the sauce to wilt. (if you're using baby spinach then add the leaves whole)

When the pasta is cooked drain it, stir the cream into the sauce and then add the pasta and mix until well coated.

Serve with fresh parmesan.

(By the way, I later realised that what I had thought was spinach was actually Swiss Chard, but it tasted great anyway!)

Allantoin is naturally occurring chemical compound found in botanical extracts of the comfrey root (the flower's shown here) as well as the urine of mammals. However, nature-identical, non-toxic varieties have been synthetically manufactured to be compatible with other raw materials to be used as an active ingredient in conventional cosmetics. Organic skin care products should contain the natural version. The Rosa Fina Creamy Face Wash, for example, contains allantoin in the forms of comfrey extract as it's active ingredient.

So, how exactly is allantoin good for our skin? Firstly, it has a keratolytic effect, which means it increases the smoothness of our skin. It does this by increasing the water content of our skin cells helping the dead ones to shed more easily. As it is so good at promoting new cell production it is useful for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, eczema and psoriasis.

It is also a good anti-irritant as it soothes and protects the skin from external aggravating agents. This explains why it is often used as an active ingredient in a whole host of skin care and toiletry products from toothpaste to shampoo to anti-acne products to make up and sun care products. Many Neal's Yard moisturising products feature comfrey for this soothing effects.

Native to the meadows and marshes of Europe the Marshmallow Root is, before we go any further, yes, the inspiration behind the puff balls of sugary goodness we like to toast on the camp fire. The pale pink flowers that blossom from this plant in summer do somewhat remind you of a pink marshmallow but it actually because marshmallow root extract was once actually used to flavour the sweets.

When taken internally the marshmallow leaf can be used to treat inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract as it soothes and softens tissue. The polysaccharides in the plant form a protective film over the irritated tissue. Cystitis and hiatus hernia are well treated using the root also.

Externally marshmallow root has many beneficial effects for the skin. It can be used to treat burns, ulcers, abscesses and wounds. It does well to control bacterial infections, has great anti-inflammatory properties and boosts immunity at a cellular level.

Marshmallow root also contains enzymes which reduce the degradation of connective tissue which means it helps to maintain moisture levels of the skin and boost dermal structure of the skin. Hence why you'll find this as an ingredient in many anti-aging products.