Throughout my children’s lives, we’ve primarily opted for natural sunblock options, specifically those containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, rather than the conventional brands filled with unrecognizable chemicals. While these mineral-based sunblocks tend to be thicker and more challenging to apply, they effectively shield against harmful UV rays and have worked well for my kids.
Recently, while visiting my in-laws, we unintentionally left our sunblock at home. My 6-year-old was eager to enjoy the sprinklers, and I thought it wouldn’t hurt to use the chemical-laden sunblock they had. I’m not overly rigid about using natural products at all times—after all, it’s not practical to be that strict. What could possibly go wrong with using it just a few times?
The aftermath wasn’t catastrophic, but I was taken aback when my son developed a rather unpleasant rash after applying that sunblock. Here’s how it unfolded: we applied the sunblock generously on his chest, shoulders, and back (these specifics will be significant later). He happily played, enjoyed dinner, and even indulged in a gigantic bowl of ice cream before heading home. The following day seemed normal, but that night, as I was preparing him for bed, I noticed tiny red bumps covering his entire chest and back.
Naturally, my first inclination was panic—what if it was something serious? However, after noticing that the rash only appeared where the sunblock had been applied, I began to suspect its connection. A quick online search revealed that allergic reactions to certain sunblock ingredients, while uncommon, are indeed more prevalent than one might assume. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology indicated that my son might be experiencing a “photo-allergic reaction,” where the sunblock, combined with UV rays, triggers an allergic dermatitis. The ingredient most often linked to these reactions is oxybenzone, which was present in the sunblock he used, though other ingredients like benzophenones, cinnamates, and dibenzoylmethanes can also be culprits.
Further insights from WebMD detailed that allergic contact dermatitis, a possible reaction to sunblock, affects less than 1% of the population. Symptoms can include rashes, itching, swelling, or even blistering, and they may take a day or more to manifest. My son’s itchy red bumps confirmed this.
According to Adam Friedman, an associate professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine, reactions can vary; sometimes they happen immediately, while in other cases, they might take a few days to develop. In some situations, it can resemble a severe sunburn—thanks to the sunblock itself.
After consulting with our pediatrician, she affirmed that such reactions can occur but stressed that allergy testing would be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. She recommended switching to a titanium dioxide or zinc oxide-based sunblock, which would be a safer option for us.
In our case, the rash lasted about four days and, unfortunately, worsened as time went on. My son was quite uncomfortable and scratched his chest and back incessantly for a couple of days. This incident also brought to mind a mysterious rash he had a few summers ago, one that left his face covered in red bumps and caused his eyelids to swell. I had never figured out its origin until now, as we had been at a lake house where someone might have used sunblock on him without my knowledge.
While allergic reactions to sunblock are generally not life-threatening, they warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider. If your child develops a red, itchy rash after sunblock application, considering the possibility of an allergic reaction is essential. I had never thought about this until it happened to us.
And remember: don’t skip sunblock, even if a reaction occurs. Instead, opt for an alternative sunblock. While annoying, itchy rashes can be managed, but the risks of skin cancer are far more serious. For more information on home insemination, check out this post. If you’re interested in artificial insemination options, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. You might also find this resource useful for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Certain ingredients in sunblock can lead to allergic reactions in children, often manifesting as rashes in areas where the product was applied. While reactions are relatively rare, they can occur, particularly with products containing oxybenzone. Parents should consult their pediatricians if such reactions happen and consider switching to mineral-based sunblocks for better safety.