Sunscreen allergy: symptoms and what to do

Allergy to sunscreen is an allergic reaction that arises due to some irritating substance present in sunscreen, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as redness, itching and peeling of the skin, which can happen in adults, children and even babies.

As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is important that the person wash the entire area that applied the sunscreen and apply a soothing moisturizer to relieve the symptoms of the allergy. In addition, the use of antihistamines or corticosteroids may be recommended by the dermatologist or allergist according to the severity of the allergic reaction.

Symptoms of allergy to sunscreen

Although not very frequent, some people have allergies to at least one of the substances that make up the sunscreen and is characterized by the appearance of symptoms in the regions where the sunscreen was applied, the main ones being:

• Itching; Redness; Peeling and irritation; Presence of spots or white or reddish spots.

In more severe and rare cases, allergy to sunscreen can lead to the appearance of more serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and feeling of something stuck in the throat, it is important that the person goes immediately to the hospital for these symptoms to be treated.

The diagnosis of allergy to sunscreen can be made by observing the symptoms that appear on the skin after applying the product, and it is not necessary to perform any specific test or examination. However, the dermatologist can indicate the performance of an allergy test in order to verify if the person has any type of reaction to the substances present in the sunscreen, thus being able to indicate the most appropriate protector.

In addition, before using a sunscreen that you have never used, it is recommended to apply the sunscreen in a small area and leave it for a few hours to check for any signs or symptoms of allergy.

What to do when the first symptoms appear

As soon as the first symptoms of allergy are noticed, especially in the baby, it is recommended to call or take the baby to the pediatrician so that the treatment can be started quickly. In the case of children and adults, it is recommended that as soon as the first signs and symptoms of allergy appear, the places where the protector has been applied should be washed with plenty of water and soap with neutral pH. After washing, you should apply hypoallergenic products with soothing agents, such as creams or lotions with chamomile, lavender or aloe, for example, to calm irritation and keep your skin hydrated and cared for.

If after washing and moisturizing the skin, the symptoms do not completely disappear after 2 hours or if they even get worse, it is recommended that you consult the dermatologist as soon as possible so that he can pass the recommended treatment for your case.

In addition, if your symptoms worsen and you experience difficulty in breathing and a feeling of something stuck in your throat, you should quickly go to the emergency room, as it is a sign that you have had a serious allergy to sunscreen.

Treatment of sunscreen allergy

The recommended treatment for allergy to sunscreen depends on the severity of the symptoms presented and this can be done with antihistamines such as Loratadine or Allegra for example, or with corticosteroids such as Betamethasone, in the form of syrup or pills that serve to relieve and treat allergy symptoms. In addition, to reduce redness and itchy skin, the doctor may also recommend applying antihistamine ointments such as Polaramine in cream, which help to reduce redness and itchiness in the skin.

Allergy to sunscreen is a problem that has no cure, but there are some tips and alternatives that can help protect the skin of those who have had any allergies, such as:

1. Test other brands of sunscreen and try using hypoallergenic sunscreen; Do not sunbathe in the hottest hours, between 10 am and 4 pm. Go in places with lots of shade and spend as much time as possible out of the sun; Wear t-shirts that protect against the sun's rays and wear a wide-brimmed cap or hat; eat more foods rich in beta-carotene, as they protect your skin from the sun's rays and prolong your tan.

Another option is to choose to use the sunscreen that can be ingested, which corresponds to a vitamin juice that protects the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays.

All these precautions are essential, as they help to protect the skin from the harmful effects caused by the sun, preventing the appearance of skin spots or cancer.

How to avoid allergy to sunscreen

To avoid allergy to sunscreen, it is important to do a small test before applying sunscreen on the whole body, so it is recommended that you put some sunscreen behind your ears and leave it on for 12 hours without washing. After that time, if there is no reaction, the protector can be used without any problem.

Watch the following video and clarify all doubts about sunscreen: