Suggest Treatment For Sun Screen Allergy

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 May 2014 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have developed an allergy to sun screen. I have used it for years but last year I was kayaking and I had hives, later, after sun screen use. I try and stay out of the sun but my grand kids were here and we went to Lake Michigan. I thought last year was a fluke.....not ( in case I changed to a new sun screen, now 5 different ones)....I have itching on my arms, face and neck where I applied the sun screen. I have even tried Coppertone for babies and I am a itchy mess. What can I do? I don't go out often in the sun but I want to be with my family at the beach and on the river. I am fair skin and blonde. I am 65. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
try zinc oxide

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Actually sunscreens dont cause allergy.
It is caused by the preservatives in the sunscreen.
You can try plain zinc oxide
If you get allergy to even that then water based sunscreens might suit you.
Please try these.
Let me know If you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D