child allergic to sunscreen

Diseases & Conditions Allergies
1
Hi everyone,
I am an old foggie here (albeit diff forums), although I have been away for a bit. I have a major problem that has literally brought me to tears this evening. My 4 year old daughter (5 in July) has suddenly developped a severe allergy to sunscreen. (Well I shouldn't say suddenly, she did have a major reaction to Ombrelle -adult version, last year. I was told at the hospital it was because of the ingredient PABA and prescribed a hydrocortisone of 35 mg). I was caught with my pants down on our first warm day this season and had no sunscreen. A neighbor offered hers - OMBRELLE....but it was for kids and indicated having no PABA and that it was designed for children with sensitive skin etc etc. The results were horrible!!!! It wasnt just about welts...her whole face, arms, legs were this GOD-awful red and she was soooo swollen. So next I went to Coppertone for kids...a sunblock...same results. Finally, I went with what we have always regularly used - Coppetone sunSCREEN - that was today. Tonight...well, I am just the worse mom in the whole world (that's how I feel. I applied it just before going to work and arrived after 10 pm). This poor little babe is so red and so swollen - it's just...there are no words! Now we have been to a dermatologist, before the sunlotion event this year, and she was diagnosed with severe sensitive skin, allergic skin and eczema. She was prescribed Eucerin to be applied once after bath and a cortizone of just 1 per cent, because her skin is sensitive. I took her to our gp after the first sunlotion ordeal and he said to just use the coritsone as prescribed and that it's jsut something we had to wait out - and of course stay away from what caused the reaction. I have been pouring through internet looking for solution and did not find much. I have been to this site
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081800.asp
but am hoping for a little more help or at least something a little more concrete about such allergies. I should add that I've been giving her Reactine during the day and Benedryl at night, both in liquid form, in the evening... as per directions on bottle. Any help would be appreciated. I have already performed a search on this site using key words sunscreen, sunblock, sunltion and just sun. Oh, and that was only for this particular forum. I'm sure there are a lot of moms on this forum who know exactly how I'm feeling right now. Thank you so much in advance for any help.

Dee 
~ I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much! ~  
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ,  Bruxism, Allergies, Hypoglycemia,  Anxiety, RA, Osteo, Cysts (ovaries) Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease, blocked fallopian tubes
"It looks worse than how it makes me feel :-)  ".
 

 

Post Edited (dmomhere) : 5/29/2006 11:08:29 PM (GMT-6)

2
Hi Dee! I can't honestly say that I have known or have had anyone allergic to sunscreen but I can only imagine the anguish you feel for your little one! I have a friend whose son is allergic to bug repellent though and that can be rough too. I don't have any answers for you but hang in there and I'm sure someone will come along soon to answer your questions or concerns.
Take care.
3
Dee,
 
I am interested in your post b/c my son has severe allergies to milk and peanuts.  He breaks out in hives if he is even TOUCHED by someone who also touched a cow's milk product or peanut.
 
This past weekend we slathered him up in the Coppertone Waterbabies SPF 45 sunscreen that we have used on him for the past three years (but it was the first time since winter).  He broke out in hives in places where we put sunscreen.  We were around numerous other children and there were a lot of snacks laying around (we were camping), so we have not ruled out that he touched something or someone that caused the hives, but I find it curious that when we took off his t-shirt to put sunscreen on his chest and shoulders before going to the pool, he had hives within moments on his shoulder and tummy.  Rather than risk having to use his epi pen at the pool area, we gave him a Benadryl, which cleared him up with in minutes.
 
I certainly wondered if it was from the sunscreen, but when we got home, we used the SAME exact bottle of sunsceen (kind of a controlled test setting) and he didn't get any hives.
 
Don't feel like a bad mommy.  It is super difficult raising children with allergies b/c you cannot control their environment 100% of the time.

Brenda
'diagnosed' UC in 1989
Lexapro 20mg
Colon and Rectum Removad via BCIR Surgery 3/17/06
Working on healing and dealing w/ a whole new lifestyle.
Want to FART badly again!!!

4

Hi again,

In case anyone else comes across this thread because they have children with the same problem. I have found a solution. There are some sunscreens with very little and some still without any chemicals. These have an increased amount of Titanium something something - which is virtually very "skin friendly". Anyhow, I'm from Canada and the ones here that I found were Vichy for sensitive skin (this has very little chemicals and is less expensive than products withouth chemicals). Another is ROC. This one has no chemical agents...but is VERY expensive. There are other producst out there too, but my daughter was fine with Vichy so my search ended there. Just make sure your product has little or no chemical agents. These usually show an increased amount of Titanium. I found out most of my info from pharmacists. There is much more infromation pertinent to this, but as with everything else, the rest will vary depending on who you speak with. Best of luck.

Dee 
~ I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much! ~  
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ,  Bruxism, Allergies, Hypoglycemia,  Anxiety, RA, Osteo, Cysts (ovaries) Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease, blocked fallopian tubes
"It looks worse than how it makes me feel :-)  ".
 

 

5

:-)    hi everyone,

I read your stories about allergies to sunscreen. (i know how you feel)  People I tell about my allergy think i'm nuts... I first noticed my allergy when the make-up i was  using causes extremely dry and bumpie skin.  my  cosmetic consultant told me they started adding sunscreen.. so I simply switched to the sunscreen free version (which they no longer make, but i stocked up and then found Bare essentials))...and once i forgot to pack my "organic sunscreen" for a trip to the bahama's and spent the whole time spraying on benedryl and itching and looking really stupid with all those bumps and redness... (when i got home i was told I should have taken the oral benedry)

I grew-up without allegies  and sunscreen was never used... back in the days when bronze was beautiful (the 1980's).  later, I had a friend who was complusive about sunscreens and so when the allergy developed we set out on a mission to find a sunscreen that I could wear.  cool WE FOUND ONE that works...  >>> it's an all natural /organic sunscreen By AUBREY ORGANICS... their phone number on the tube of  sunscreen is 1 800-aubrey h.  they are out of tampa fl.  I found my tube at the local nature's way store... (a store dedicated to natural remedies... and foods)...  i have chosen to use their spf 8 which works great for me i don't mind a little color, i just don't like to fry.

My family told me i was nuts when i told them, that because of the regular sunscreen  on the kids i couldn't pick-up my nieces and nephews. if i touched them within an hour a few bumps would start to appear... they aren't laughing now, my 5 year old nephew broke out last weekend with horrific hives from a childrens sunscreen, much worse than my out breaks).... so all my sisters kids now need to wear the organic sunscreen... they realy thought I was making this allergy up... after she brought him to the doctor, got him calmed sown and to bed, I received a prompt e-mail inquiring where I get my sunscreen...

Also BEWARE... several years ago 'my compulsive friend' put on her regular sunscreen and I put on my organic stuff... we stashed my sunscreen in our pack and off we went on our bikes ... she felt the need to reapply and used my sunscreen over hers... she burnt only where she reapplied my organic stuff .. I have much fairer skin and did NOT burn with only 1 application... so the chemicals in the regular stuff must not like the organic stuff...  don't mix sunscreens!!!!

  

My other irritation is that most "day" moisturizing product and foundations have sunscreen in them ...I did find a foundation that is fabulous... Bare minerals... (yes the infomercial stuff)... not only does it have good coverage and works great, but it is a mineral and has a natural spf...  Also they have a product call bare vitamin, skin reverupper which does a great job of moisturizing and conditioning the skin...(no sunscreen in it)

 I hope this helps someone!!!! 

Auntie

 

 

 

6
sherry allergy to bug repellent ... use citronella oil (from a health food place, talk to the clerk about how you will use this she will possily have great hints too) in your laundry... my mom used to make her own homemade soap and she had purchase citronella oil at a health food place and put it in the soap and washed all of our clothes in that soap.. when we were playing softball at nights we were the only ones not swatting mosquitos...

or look on QVC (home shopping network) they recently showed a no-bug patch that is citronella based... basically it is a sticker that you put on and it keeps the bugs away... QVC has a great return policy if they aren't everything you hoped for.. 30 days no questions... my thought is that would be great for kids... and adults... I hate coming home and needing to shower before i go to bed... and i would hate to leave that stuff on kid when they go to bed..

auntie
7
Hi auntie jean, welcome to Healingwell! Thanks for the awesome suggestions. I will have to pass that info on to my friend whose son is allergic to bug repellents. When you put in with the laundry soap, does it leave any sort of oily stain?
8
My mom used a essential oil they come in little brown bottles (NOT the stuff you buy for a torchlamp.) you could use a few (3-5) drops in your machine BUT you would want to fill your machine with warm water and add your detergent before adding your clothes stir a bit and add you clothes

I spoke with the gal at the health food store... she gave me a few other idea for everone... over the past 20 years they have found that other essential oil are also effective as bug repellents.. as well combinations of oils are also effective... she suggested that when you go to the 'essential oil" vendor near you that you ask them specifically about what they have that will repell bugs.

the essential oil blend can be used in several ways...
you can mix it with a carrier oil (basically and unscented massage oil) and simply rub into skin. THe more essential oil you add to the carrier the stronger your repellent

there are easy body soap recipes on-line ... simply add a few drops of the essential oil to the bar or liquid soap when melting... this way your loved ones are always protected.. .you might want to apply the oil if you go into a nasty bug infested place or out in the evening... the light scenting should be good for your typical DAY use...

she also stated that at some stores she has seen unscented natural lotions that work well with essential oils.. .(giving you a bug lotion) (so ask if you local store has that )

the essential oil could also be defused in an area by putting a few drops on cotton balls and placing them about... (make sure they are tacked down or your neighbor might reap the benefits) you could also place water in your potpouri burner, and add a 10 -12 drops and light an unscented votive under it. or put cotton balls with the essential oil in baby stroller (out of reach of course)...




I found the following on line..... the Garlic sounds interesting....You health food store will know what all the ingredients are....

Liquid / Gel Soap

2 cups soap flakes or grated bar soap (ivory)
1/2 gallon water
2 tbsp glycerin (opt)
4-6 drops of esstential oil ( add at end)

Mix ingredients together in a large pot or dutch oven. Set over low heat, stirring occasionally until the soap has dissolved. Transfer to a jar and cover tightly. For a less thick gel soap, use 1 gallon of water.





Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri!
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your favorite scent)
2/3 cups boiling water
Food coloring, if desired
In bowl, mix dry ingredients well.
Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.)
For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached.
Blend ingredients, and form balls into different shape and sizes to look like stones.
Allow stones to dry.
Contributor unknown



MOSQUITO/INSECT REPELLENT



aloe vera gel
(don't use green cheap stuff, use the stuff from your health food store, the green stuff has preservatives in it )

essential oils of citronella

tea tree oil

lavender oil


Stir all ingrediance together
Mix becomes opaque. (make it as strong as y0u like) and put on like a lotion





Garlic Juice bug repellent

My grandson is allergic to any type of repellent with chemicals in it. So we use a mixture of Garlic juice and water. Use at least 1 part garlic juice to 5 parts water in a small personal size spray bottle. Works every time, works great in the woods, hubby forgot one day and had a terrible case of chiggers. We originally started to use this in our garden instead of poisons and decided to use it on ourselves since it worked so well. Contributed by Becky Holcomb, LHolc55865@aol.com
9
Both my mother and I are extremely allergic to sunscreen, even ones designed for kids or people with sensitive skin.

The odd thing is, we only develop rashes when in contact with water after applying sunscreen. Having sunscreen on dry skin is not a problem, but as soon as we wash our hands, go swimming, shower, or the like, we break out in hives wherever sunscreen was applied.

BMTB, your son might have the same problem, since you said he went swimming, but later on did not have an episode with sunscreen. I have not been able to find any information about this condition on the internet. Anyone else experience this type of reaction?
10

Hi everyone I have a little girl and two months ago I had her outside and put sunscreen on her and that night put Baby Magic Oil with Aloe on her and the next day she broke out in hives around her neck the next day she had hives all over her body I took her to the doctor and they asked if I changed soap or laundry detergent which I hadn't but come to find out she is allergic to the Baby Magic she had a reaction to it when she was a baby and we forgot they think it was the peroxide in it.  Now my niece is allergic to peroxide in face cleaner so it may be something like that.

11
Hello all...
 
A quick reminder that sunscreens are Perishable items... at the end of a season toss out unused portion... and buy a new bottle for each year. 
 
also look for NATURAL alternatives, like moderation ( a lesson that far too many children and adults need to learn in so many areas of life)... if you find a sunscreen that works for the allergic person, the entire family should wear that sunscreen,  because they can breakout if they touch someone who is wearing 'the culprit sunscreen'...
 
I spent my first year of sunscreen allergies dreading summer... and feeling confinded... until accepted that a part of life was that i couldn't wear sunscreens (i never like sliming the stuff on anyway)...   and i made adjustments
 
try a schedule adjustment ...going out in the morning or evening when the sun is not as strong... and if you must be outside grab a Fun hat and a "big shirt" and sunglasses and keep them handy.  simply "change the plan"  and have fun doing it ... take the whole family out to pick out their "summer fun hat" (let the kids pick out your hat and the hat for dad and big shirts for the whole family (this can double to protect from mosquitos too)... It could be that 1 tradition that your kids remember and tell their grandkids about... Make the experience fun, and don't single out the child with the allergy...this a family thing ....get and decorate big sun umbrella or a pop-up gazebo for the beach-type outings ....  if you make too big of deal out of this, the kids could learn to dread this allergy...rather than happily live with it.
 
also check out your Natural foods store for possible Natural  sunscreen options.
 
Also keep Benedryl tablets on hand (in your purse, car, diaper bag and house) in case you are in a situation where you MUSt put sunscreen on or if they touch someone who has sunscreen on,  Incase of sunburns Keep aloe gel Around.. a bottle in the car and 1 in the house... (don't leave home without it)
 
don't fret, my entire family tree did NOT use sun screen and several thousand years later I am here and so are youVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGEVIEW IMAGE
 
auntie
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12
Hi, I'm from the Lupus forum. I am extremely sun sensitive because of my lupus and must wear suncreen or be completely covered up in special clothing that blocks the UV rays. I am also allergic to every suncreen I try including the stuff in makeup, lipstick etc. I found two types I could use. One is called pre-sun but I haven't seen it for years. The other is SolBarPF 50. I purchase it through coolibar, just google coolibar and you'll find it. They have excellent products for sun protection. I wear it every day and have had no problems. Good luck, Lonna

DX: lupus, headaches, hairloss, lipoatrophy, high blood pressure, allergies, chemical sensitivities, foot pain.
 
Meds: placquenil 400mg, prednisone 7mg, cozaar 100mg for high blood pressure, effexor 75mg antidepressant, voltaren for arthritis pain, trazodone 100mg + 2 tylenol PM for sleep, imitrex nasal for migraines, nasonex and astelin for allergies.

13
I have the same problem with my two year old girl. Last year was fine, but not so anymore.  After I put the "baby" sunscreen on she broke out in an itchy, red, swollen rash. It really hurt her too! I tried a few different "baby" brands and they all did the same thing. I just bought Neutrogena for Senistive skin, spf 30 and I did a spot test and so far, no rash!
<!-- / message -->
14
Please don't even try Bull Frog it is such a strong sun block, I reacted to that one. Have you asked an allergy doctor for a solution? maybe a prescription sun block, just a thought. Good Luck to you keep us posted and lots of soft hugz.............
15
Many sunscreens have DEET in them My husband cannot use anything with DEEt.We use Avon SSS oil ,or the loition.

SnowyLynne

16
I REALLY sympathize.  I learned that I was allergic to chemical sunscreens years ago.  I figured it out by reading labels and figuring out when I itched.   I look for Titanium Dioxide.  If the label has any chemicals I can't use it   AND I just found out aftr20 plus years that shampoos have sunscreen.  The only chemical used to be Octyl Cinnemate, but there are variations.  I just discovered Octinoxate.
 
The best thing to do is call the company of any product you are considering and ask them about sunscreens.  That's what i do about shampoos as there are too many chemicls listed on the bottles. Call there 800 # on the bottle.
 
Currently I use Neutrgena for sensitive skin, the one with Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredient.
 
Good Luck
 
 
17
Have you tried Skin so Soft bath oil from avon??

SnowyLynne

18
I'm also very allergic to sunscreen. My daughter isn't, but we use a sunscreen with only titanium dioxide as the active ingredient so that I can touch her after we've applied sunscreen without turning into a bumpy mess. It's expensive, but a company called California Baby makes one that works for me (and I've never found ANYTHING else that doesn't make me react).
19
I have had issues with sunscreen as well.  The only one I can use is coppertone though.  I even had tried hypoallergenic ones in the past as well still causing allergic reactions.  I dont dare tryy any new brands that are out there but I will if coppertone happens to bother me in the future.

Dx with Crohn's 1987, symptoms as early as 1984.
Temp iliostomy February 2007, reversed June 2007, Ovarian cysts, migraines, allergies (incl food allergies) , oral allergy syndrome (diff than true food allergies), Asthma, Gall Bladder removed 1999, Inguenal hernia 1987
 
 

20
My daughter has a severe allergy to sunscreen, i refuse to 'try' any new, improved or natural ones. It is not worth the risk. She was hospitilised about 6 months ago because her friends mother did not believe her and smothered her in it.