We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Sunscreen?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,513
References
Share

Experts estimate that less than one percent of the world’s population is allergic to an active ingredient in sunscreen, but redness, blisters, and itching are common indicators. The reaction is usually a rash of various severity caused by a type of contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a person is allergic to sunscreen, while contact photoallergy occurs when a person is allergic to the combination of sunscreen and sun exposure. A dermatologist or allergist can help determine what a person is actually allergic to, and what type of sunscreen he or she should use instead.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common allergic reaction to sunscreen. It occurs when a substance touches a person’s skin who is allergic or very sensitive to the ingredients. The signs of this reaction sometimes appear as late as two days after exposure to the sunscreen. Redness, itching, and minor swelling of the skin might be experienced. In addition, some people experience blisters or oozing, open sores, depending on how bad the allergic reaction is.

Another kind of contact dermatitis that occurs as a sign of an allergic reaction to sunscreen is called contact photoallergy. When someone experiences allergic contact dermatitis, he or she gets a rash wherever the sunscreen was applied. On the other hand, with contact photoallergy, the rash only appears where the sunscreen was applied and was exposed to the sun. Contact photoallergy occurs because of a reaction between the sun’s rays and the chemicals in sunscreen. These two signs of an allergic reaction to sunscreen can be difficult to tell apart.

Since sunscreen is an important part of maintaining healthy skin and preventing skin cancer, someone who is allergic to an ingredident in sunscreen needs to find an alternate product to use. Certain doctors can perform tests to figure out exactly what a person is allergic to in sunscreen. After that, he or she can look for sunscreens that do not have the ingredient and therefore should not cause an allergic reaction.

Sunscreens are not all the same, much like cosmetics, shampoos and other skin or beauty products that sometimes cause an allergic reaction. In fact, there are more than a dozen active ingredients that can be used, in addition to many fragrances and preservatives. Active ingredients, fragrance oils, and preservatives can all be the cause of an allergic reaction to sunscreen. Therefore, in most cases, a person can just look for a different kind of sunscreen and wear it without a problem.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon955348 — On Jun 06, 2014

If you're allergic fine, but don't make the rest of the kids go without it because they are not allergic to it. Do you really think this is the first time the mother put sunscreen on her kid? Really.

By ZipLine — On Jun 17, 2013
@MikeMason-- It's possible. My daughter gets welts -- red, fluid filled bumps -- all over her body from sunscreen. She's severely allergic.
By stoneMason — On Jun 17, 2013

Has anyone experienced blistering sores from sunscreen? Can a allergy cause blisters like this?

I started using a new sunscreen yesterday and woke up with several blisters and sores on my arm. I can't figure out what caused it, but I'm suspecting the sunscreen.

I always thought that allergies cause itching and swelling. Can a sunscreen allergy cause blisters?

By SarahGen — On Jun 16, 2013

I'm allergic to sunscreens that have chemicals in them. I get a red, itchy rash on my skin within fifteen minutes of applying the sunscreen. Even after washing it off, it takes a whole day for the redness and irritation to go away.

I was able to find a natural sunscreen that only contains zinc and natural oils and extracts in it for protection and no chemicals. I don't have any reactions to this sunscreen so I know that I'm allergic to only the chemicals.

Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-signs-of-an-allergic-reaction-to-sunscreen.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.