Most of these allergic reactions represent contact dermatitis.
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What Is Sunscreen Allergy?
While contact dermatitis to sunscreens is not as common ascosmetic allergies, it is not a rare condition.
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The reaction to sunscreens can occur anywhere on the body where the substance is applied.
It tends to be more common in the areas of the body with the most sun exposure.
This is called photo-contact dermatitis.
Photo-contact dermatitis usually occurs on the bare, sun-exposed areas of the body.
There are two types of contact dermatitis, irritant and allergic.
Patch testing is an important part of theevaluation of contact dermatitis.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Sunscreen Allergy?
Those most at-risk for developing sunscreen allergy include the following groups:
How Do Sunscreens Work?
Sunscreens work in one of two ways:
Which Chemicals in Sunscreens Cause Allergies?
Some of theactive ingredientsin sunscreens have the potential to cause contact dermatitis.
The following are the most common active ingredients in sunscreens that have been reported to cause contact dermatitis.
Sunscreens for People With Sunscreen Allergy?
Physical blocking agents have only rarely been reported to cause contact dermatitis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Contact dermatitis.
Harvard Health Publishing.Sun allergy (photosensitivity).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is sunscreen safe?
Dinardo JC, Downs CA.Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone-3.J Cosmet Dermatol.
2014;70(4):193-204. doi:10.1111/cod.12205
