Allergies to Sunscreen

Although necessary to avoid the harmful UV rays of the sun, a small percentage of people are allergic to ingredients in sunscreen. If you experience rashes, itching, redness and/or blisters after wearing sunscreen, you may be experiencing contact dermatitis, which is a medical term used to describe a skin reaction to a substance. It is best to treat it properly and speak with a dermatologist.

Expert Insight

According to the Auckland Allergy Clinic, it is assumed that less than 1% of the population suffers from allergies to sunscreen based on patch test studies. However, if you find yourself suffering from a skin reaction in the sun-exposed areas, such as the neck, the backs of the hands and the forearms, you may be allergic to the ingredients within sunscreen. Look for ingredients such as benzophenone 4, 4-aminobenzoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA), and Arlatone UVB on any bottle of sunscreen. These are ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Immediate Treatment

For immediate treatment of an allergic reaction to sunscreen, remove any traces of it with a mild cleanser and tepid water. For redness, apply a hydrocortisone cream, which you can find at your local drug or grocery store. This will calm your skin's reaction.

Prolonged Treatment

The best manner to treat an allergy to sunscreen is avoidance. There really is no cure for contact dermatits. Therefore, look for sunscreens that contain only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They work better for those with sensitive skin.

Identification

To identify if you will have an allergic reaction to any brand of sunscreen, first test a small amount of sunscreen before you rub it all over your body. Rub a small amount of the sunscreen on the back of your arm and leave it on for 48 hours. Then, check to see if any reaction has occurred. If so, discontinue the use of the product.

Prevention/Solution

Call a dermatologist for further testing. Be sure to bring in the product with you to your office visit. The dermatologist can check to see which substances you are allergic to through various allergy testing materials. Due to the fact that allergies to sunscreen occurs in a low percentage of the population, it may be that you are allergic to the fragrances or dyes found within that particular sunscreen. Your doctor will be able to determine this with proper testing.