You should never snoop into a girl’s bag, they say. But if you do, you’ll almost certainly discover sunscreen. After all, it is our only protection against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. And all of its negative effects, including sun tans, skin damage, anti-aging indications, sunburns, and so on.
The downside to this precautionary approach is that dreadful allergic reaction on the surface of your skin. And finding the ideal broad-spectrum sunscreen in this unpleasant, hot and humid Indian summer is challenging. The fight is genuine. Here’s everything you need to know about sunscreen reactions and how to treat them so you can stay safe from itchy skin in the toasty sun.
What Are Sunscreen Reactions?
In clear words, a sunscreen allergy is identified by an itchy, blistering skin rash that appears after applying sunscreen to one’s skin, typically within a few hours to two days. According to a study, less than 1% of the global population is allergic to an active chemical in sunscreen, which causes redness, itching, and blisters. These ingredients could include fragrance, UV absorbers, preservatives, or specific sunscreen ingredients that cause responses or allergies.
What Are The Different Types Of Reactions To Sunscreen?
There are two types of sunscreen allergies namely,
Phototoxic Reaction
Photocontact dermatitis is a less common type of sunscreen reaction. This type of reaction is most common when the product is applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight. An interaction between a sunscreen ingredient and UV light causes skin irritation in certain people. This is mainly due to an allergy to the active ingredients, but it can also be due to intolerance to the scents or preservatives in sunscreen.
This reaction, which resembles severe sunburn or eczema, most usually affects the face, arms, back of hands, chest, and lower neck.
.png)
Contact Dermatitis
In this case, the reaction on the skin appears immediately after applying sunscreen. This happens because your skin reacts to any unsuitable ingredients present in your SPF. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis is a less common type of contact dermatitis that occurs when a person develops an allergy to a chemical included in sunscreen or SPF-protected products. This reaction is caused by an allergy to an ingredient, such as perfumes or chemicals, and can occur even if you have never had an allergic reaction to these ingredients before, as allergies can develop over time.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis is a reaction that can occur after using sunscreen and is more likely in those with eczema or sensitive skin. It produces irritation in the area of skin where the sunscreen was applied, which can manifest as minor redness or a stinging sensation (without any redness).
Here Are A Few Ways To Treat Sunscreen Reactions
If the reaction is severe, contact a doctor right away. However, there are a few things you can do to get immediate relief.
Opt For Gentle Formulations
When considering sunscreens, look for gentle formulations that are fragrance-free, especially if you have sensitive skin. Other alternatives for protection include wearing UV-blocking clothes and avoiding recognised triggers, such as foods to which you are allergic.
Cleanse Twice
Remove any sunscreen residue. Wash your body with a gentle cleanser and water. Wipe your skin gently with a towel to remove any traces of sunscreen. Rubbing too hard can simply aggravate the irritation.
Hydrocortisone Cream To Your Rescue
Gently and lightly apply a hydrocortisone cream, which is easily available at your local drugstore. This will assist to relax the skin and reduce the redness.
Cold Compress
Use a cold compress (such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth) and wear loose-fitting clothing until your skin settles.
Consult Your Dermatologist
Consult your dermatologist for further testing. Make sure you have the product with you. They can use several allergy testing materials to determine which items you are allergic to. It’s possible that you’re allergic to the scents or dyes in that sunscreen.
To minimise your risk of getting a skin allergy, evaluate the ingredients and conduct a patch test before using it.
Featured Image: Pexels
