Sunscreen

[harleyy2]

Hey Everyone,

I know you probably have no care at all..anyways..I'm allergic to ALL kinds of sunscreens...how?  I don't know..I can't put ANY kind on....I'll pass out within 5 seconds..I've seen doctors, tried being hypontized...nothing works....what thoughts/concerns do you have?

[kapeh12]

Not sure if this information will help, but I did some searching and it appears that sunscreen allergies are common.  There seems to be 2 classifications - a contact (allergy manifests by applying the sunscreen to your skin), and a photoallergy (allergy manifests when the sunscreen reacts under exposure to the sun/UV radiation).

In your case, does your reaction occur after contact only, or after you step into the sun?  If you haven't noticed, may want to see test which is your reaction trigger.  From there, you may be able to try to narrow down what in the sunscreen you react with.

I did find there are hypo-allergenic sunscreens available - if you haven't looked for them, you may want to search the web to find some brands to see if maybe those will work for you.  Those seem to be made using natural ingredients vs chemicals.

You'll probably read the most common manifestation of these sunscreen allergies is some sort of rash or other skin reaction, however sounds like your allergy triggers a different manifestation - which may be rare, but not unheard of.

I have an allergy to alcohol - my mom and grandmother broke out in a rash when they drank red wine; for me, alcohol triggers an asthma reaction (doesn't matter what kind of alcohol - they all trigger it).  I have a wider allergy to alcohol, but a different allergy reaction.  Probably the same with you.

If you are unable to identify what is triggering your reaction, or find an alternative product - only safe options for you is to avoid sun exposure, and use hats and light weight long sleeve shirts/pants when outdoors for any length of item.  Sit under umbrellas or anything to shade you from UV rays.

Good luck to you!

[harleyy2]

Not sure if this information will help, but I did some searching and it appears that sunscreen allergies are common.  There seems to be 2 classifications - a contact (allergy manifests by applying the sunscreen to your skin), and a photoallergy (allergy manifests when the sunscreen reacts under exposure to the sun/UV radiation).

In your case, does your reaction occur after contact only, or after you step into the sun?  If you haven't noticed, may want to see test which is your reaction trigger.  From there, you may be able to try to narrow down what in the sunscreen you react with.

I did find there are hypo-allergenic sunscreens available - if you haven't looked for them, you may want to search the web to find some brands to see if maybe those will work for you.  Those seem to be made using natural ingredients vs chemicals.

You'll probably read the most common manifestation of these sunscreen allergies is some sort of rash or other skin reaction, however sounds like your allergy triggers a different manifestation - which may be rare, but not unheard of.

I have an allergy to alcohol - my mom and grandmother broke out in a rash when they drank red wine; for me, alcohol triggers an asthma reaction (doesn't matter what kind of alcohol - they all trigger it).  I have a wider allergy to alcohol, but a different allergy reaction.  Probably the same with you.

If you are unable to identify what is triggering your reaction, or find an alternative product - only safe options for you is to avoid sun exposure, and use hats and light weight long sleeve shirts/pants when outdoors for any length of item.  Sit under umbrellas or anything to shade you from UV rays.

Good luck to you!

@kapeh12 - Thanks for the answer....It's when people are applying sunscreen on I smell it and will pass out right away.......if that helps....I do wear sunscreen shirts..UV Protection shirts...

[SweetBee2010]

I never use sunscreen, so I can't be of much help.

[Peds]

Sunscreen uses all kinds of chemicals that are toxic and should not be put on your skin, much less in your body. They do contain minute does of the toxic chemicals but the chemicals to persist in your body and build up. Perhaps your body is extremely intolerant of the chemicals, just as well. I would limit your sun exposure to 45min-1hr 35min depending on your skin tone and just use shade after that. Or you could try to look for organic sunscreen that uses natural non-toxic substances

[harleyy2]

Sunscreen uses all kinds of chemicals that are toxic and should not be put on your skin, much less in your body. They do contain minute does of the toxic chemicals but the chemicals to persist in your body and build up. Perhaps your body is extremely intolerant of the chemicals, just as well. I would limit your sun exposure to 45min-1hr 35min depending on your skin tone and just use shade after that. Or you could try to look for organic sunscreen that uses natural non-toxic substances

@Peds - Oooooh okay.....I gotcha....well if I even attempt to put it on..i fail... = pass out

[lynnc35]

I would avoid prolongued exposure to the sun in this event. I have two family members now that have had cancer caused by the suns violent rays, this can be dangerous also. But I would not apply anything that would make me pass out.

[harleyy2]

I would avoid prolongued exposure to the sun in this event. I have two family members now that have had cancer caused by the suns violent rays, this can be dangerous also. But I would not apply anything that would make me pass out.

@lynnc35 - Yea, I don't apply it and probably never will....but..I stay out of the sun for the most part, too.

[cloudsoup]

i have somewhat sensitive skin, but i have to use
50+ block sunscreen because i'm so pale. i burn within
twenty minutes of direct sun, which is why i hate summer!
but anyway, i've never heard of it knocking someone out 
does anything else make you react this way, like cleaning
supplies or any other substances?

have you tried any hemp-based sunscreens? this would
probably be included in the natural-ingredient lotions that
someone else mentioned trying.

[harleyy2]

i have somewhat sensitive skin, but i have to use
50+ block sunscreen because i'm so pale. i burn within
twenty minutes of direct sun, which is why i hate summer!
but anyway, i've never heard of it knocking someone out 
does anything else make you react this way, like cleaning
supplies or any other substances?

have you tried any hemp-based sunscreens? this would
probably be included in the natural-ingredient lotions that
someone else mentioned trying.

@cloudsoup - Thanks for your reply.  Nope, nothing else knocks me out....Doctors think it has SOMETHING in it that I'm possibly allergic to...but I've been to Valley Fair, Six Flags, etc and right when I got in the parking lot I passed out............