Sunscreen Allergies
Sunscreenis considered a must at the beach to reduce the risk ofskin cancer.
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Oxybenzone also can react with chlorine if your beach day involves a pool, too.
you might reduce the risk of sunscreen allergy by purchasing a hypoallergenic sunscreen that contains fewer UV-filtering chemicals.
There are alsonatural sunscreensthat contain metal-based substances like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that reflect light.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Allergies to Sunlight
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Asun allergyis a relatively rare condition due to exposure to the sun.
It can cause itching, burning, stinging, and hives on sun-exposed skin.
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Some sun allergies have nothing to do with the sun.
Instead, they are caused when basking in the sun causes the body to overheat.
In rare cases, solar urticaria can cause a life-threatening allergic response calledanaphylaxisthat can’t be treated with antihistamines.
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These plants contain allergy-causing chemicals calledurushiolswhen you touch them.
You also can try aloe or other home remedies.
Allergies From Swimming
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Allergies that occur after swimming are usually sparked by organisms living in the water.
These not only involve creatures in seawater but those in freshwater as well.
Rinsing off immediately after swimming can help reduce the risk.
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Calamine lotion or topical1% hydrocortisone creammay help relieve the itching and swelling if you develop a rash.
For these people, getting stung can lead to anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxiscan come on rapidly after an insect sting.
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If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead toshock, coma, suffocation,cardiac arrest, and death.
Summary
A day at the beach is something that everyone should enjoy.
For some people, however, exposure to the beach environment can cause an allergic reaction.
Insect stings, sand, and sunscreen can also cause allergies.
Remove your swim clothes, gently pat your skin dry, and dress in clean clothes.
To help relieve the rash, try using 1% hydrocortisone cream or topical calamine lotion.
you’re able to also use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) for any discomfort.
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