Repeated exposure to sunlight leads to dark spots on different parts of the body. This is because; production of melanin (a pigment responsible for skin color) is doubled when it gets exposed to sunlight. Along with other external and internal factors skin develops brown or dark spots.
To protect the skin from dangerous rays of sun light, use of sunscreen increased. This repeated use of sunscreens resulted allergic reaction in few sensitive people. Most common sign of sunscreen allergy is contact dermatitis.
Chemical ingredients are included in sunscreen creams to block harmful sun rays or to absorb the radiation. But few active chemicals like Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, Benzyl salicylate and Octocrylene in the cream can trigger allergic reaction.
Also read: Hair dye allergy
Symptoms of Sunscreen Allergy
Above mentioned active chemical substances react with antibodies and histamines which results in allergic symptoms. External ingredient that triggered allergy over my skin may work fine over your skin. So you must check with the doctor to confirm the list of ingredients that may irritate your skin.
Signs and symptoms of sunscreen allergy include:
- Rashes over skin, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and fungal infection
- Itching and redness over the skin
- Blisters or bumps appear
- Eczema and other chronic skin ailments may appear
- Rashes will appear over the most exposed part of the body and over the chest.
Only way to combat these ingredients is to stop using them. Check the ingredient’s list before applying it over the face. Conduct a patch test with the help of your doctor before proceeding with the sunscreen cream.
Apply natural moisturizers like almond oil or raw honey to get instant relief from inflammation and itching. Though there is no scientific evidence to back these home remedies, it can give temporary relief. Don’t try different sunscreen products all at the same time.
Experts recommend using hypoallergenic sunscreen creams which include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as chemical ingredients. These ingredients block reaction with UV rays, but people who used them report it doesn’t absorb easily. So to avoid sunscreen allergy, I recommend using natural sunscreen masks that has no side-effects.
Types of Sunscreen Allergy
There are 2 types of sunscreen allergy which are described as follows
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This type of allergy is most likely to occur when the person applies sunscreen and is allergic to any particular ingredient present in the sunscreen. As a result the immune system over reacts that results in symptoms such as redness, rash and itchy skin.
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Photo Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This type of allergy occurs when a person after applying sunscreen goes out and about in the sun. The ultra violet rays from the sun interacts with any particular ingredient of the sunscreen and results in skin irritation or allergy.