Sunburn Lotion Allergies

The rise inf skin cancer and damage to skin due to sun exposure has led to a corresponding rise in use of sunburn lotions. However, most of these lotions are chemical-based, and have been observed to have negative effects and allergies in some people. Sunburn lotion allergies range from minor rashes on sun exposed parts of the body to itching and blisters all over the body. Use of strong chemicals in sunscreens with an aim to protect the skin from UV rays can have the opposite effect in people with sensitive skin, more so in those allergic to sunburn lotion.

Sun Exposure and Its Effects

• The main component of sun rays that have the potential to cause immense damage to the skin is ultraviolet rays. The rays coming from sun have three types of ultraviolet rays-UV-A, B and C. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVA) can lead to sunburns, early formation of wrinkles, tanning, pigmentation and even skin cancer. Sunburn lotions are precisely used to avoid these effects of ultraviolet rays.

How Do Sunburn Lotions Work?

• Sunburn lotions are basically of two types-chemical sunscreens and physical blocks. Chemical sunburn lotions block UV rays belonging to a certain absorption spectrum and are wavelength-selective. This means that sunscreens meant for blocking UVA rays prevent the rays belonging to the wavelength of 320nm to 360nm. The wavelength range for UVB rays is 290 nm to 320 nm.

  On the other hand, physical blocks work by physically blocking the ultraviolet rays from reaching the skin by scattering the radiation away when it touches the skin. When applied in enough proportion, the sunscreen reflects the entire visible light, including visible and infrared rays.

Allergy Triggers in Sunburn Lotions

• Allergic reaction to sunburn lotions is caused due to use of strong chemicals in sunscreens. Typical chemicals used in sunburn formulations include titanium dioxide, Octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and padimate O. Sunburn lotion allergies include phototoxic reaction, contact dermatitis and photoallergic reaction. In a study by North American Contact Dermatitis Group it was revealed that 80 to 81 percent of allergic reactions to sunburn lotions were due to the presence of chemicals used for fragrance and preservatives. PABA was one of the very first ingredients used in making sunscreens; however, further research later revealed side effects of this chemical, including skin cancer. As a result the chemical has now been banned in many countries and is no longer used in sunscreens. However, other chemicals mentioned above have been observed to cause allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin.

Allergic reaction-Signs and Symptoms

• The symptoms of allergic reaction to sunburn lotions include scaling, itching, redness, hives, blisters and inflammation. It has been observed that people with sensitive skin are more prone to skin allergies due to sunscreen than others. Apart from this, allergic reaction can also result when sunscreen is applied to damaged skin.

What Can be Done

• Sunburn lotion allergies can be avoided by simply avoiding use of sunburn lotions. People with sensitive skin are advised to wear protective clothes such that no part of the body gets exposed to sun. There is clothing available that has sunburn protection built in to the fabric. Apart from this, a visit to the doctor would reveal the exact ingredient causing the reaction, the use of which can be limited or completely avoided.