Sunscreen helps protect the body from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These effects include premature skin aging and skin cancer. Nowadays there are many different options for sunscreens .
Certain sunscreen ingredients can trigger skin allergies in some people. These allergies may cause symptoms, such as skin redness, itchiness, and swelling.
Causes of sunscreen allergy
Certain ingredients present in sunscreen can trigger allergic reactions in some people. A few ingredients that are most likely to cause an allergic reaction include.
Benzophenones
Cinnamates
Dibenzoylmethanes
Some people may also be allergic or sensitive to the fragrances and preservatives that manufacturers commonly add to sunscreens. As with any new skin care product, it’s a good idea to use a patch test when trying a new sunscreen. You’ll want to do this at least a day or two ahead of time.
Types of sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and prevent the UV rays from reaching the skin, while physical sunscreens contain minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect or scatter UV rays that deflect UV rays.
Types of skin reaction
There are three types of Contact Dermatitis that may affect people with sunscreen sensitivities allergies.
Irritant contact dermatitis: This type is more likely to occur in people who have sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema.
Allergic contact dermatitis: This type occurs when a person is allergic to a particular ingredient in sunscreen.
Photoallergic contact dermatitis: This is a type of allergy that can occur when the sunscreen comes into contact with UV light.
Symptoms
A sunscreen allergy can occur immediately after applying sunscreen, or in some cases, they may take time to develop.
Symptoms can include
Skin redness or swelling
Itching or stinging
Raised bumps or hives
Scaling or bleeding
Rash, or fluid-filled lesions
People with preexisting skin conditions, such as xerosis, eczema and psoriasis are at increased risk of developing a sunscreen allergy.
Treatment
For a mild allergic reaction to a sunscreen it should removed by rinsing the skin with cool water. They should then stay out of the sun until the skin has fully healed. If a child develops a mild allergic reaction, a parent or caregiver can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the affected area to moisturize the skin.
For moderate to severe skin allergies
Cold compresses to reduce the pain and inflammation
Skin moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly, or calamine lotion
Antihistamines to control itching
Topical corticosteroids and antibiotics to reduce skin inflammation and help with secondary
infection.
Repeated or severe instances of sunscreen allergy should be evaluated by a doctor. A dermatologist can help by diagnosing the skin condition and treating it. They can also offer suggestions for sunscreen use and sun exposure. The doctor may refer them to an allergist who will work to diagnose the ingredients causing the allergy.
With inputs from Dr. Deepthi Ravishankar MD, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Davangere.
