Allergy to zinc oxide sunscreen

[MELSMICE]

I have an allergy to regular name brand sunscreens. I break out in a rash. I began using zinc oxide/titanium dioxide sunscreens & didn't seem to have a problem with them until...............

spending 2 weeks in Florida (10 days in WDW ). I got a terrible red, itchy rash all over my thighs. There are also patches on my arms, lower legs, ankles & the backs of my legs. One evening I thought my legs were on fire! OUCH!

I read on line that you can be allergic to zinc oxide. Has anyone had this problem & what kind of sunscreen do you use?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Never had that problem...was the zinc oxide 100% or were their other chemicals present.

I do know there are some formulas out there that are supposed to be better for sensitive skin. Off the top of my head, California Baby sells some natural sunscreens.

Was the rash AFTER using the sunscreen for 2 weeks? If so, I'd have to wonder if it was something else, like maybe prickly heat or something.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Could it be possible you had a reaction to the sun even though you used sunscreen?

http://walking.about.com/od/medhot/a/legrash.htm

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/sunrash.htm

 

[JessicaR]

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin is what my son uses. He has really sensitive skin and many allergies to sunscreen. Maybe give it a try and see if you are OK.

I believe Burts Bees makes a zinc oxide free lotion.

I read that some people that have zinc oxide allergies use titanium dioxide based lotions. You may want to look into that.

 

[MELSMICE]

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin is what my son uses. He has really sensitive skin and many allergies to sunscreen. Maybe give it a try and see if you are OK.

I believe Burts Bees makes a zinc oxide free lotion.

I read that some people that have zinc oxide allergies use titanium dioxide based lotions. You may want to look into that.

I was using the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen. I had used Burt's Bees before & did not have this reaction. I didn't use it this time because it's like paste & I had the most difficult time getting the stuff off of me. I had a white film all over my skin for weeks. LOL

Could it be possible you had a reaction to the sun even though you used sunscreen?

http://walking.about.com/od/medhot/a/legrash.htm

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/sunrash.htm

This could be possible. Some of the symptoms "match" & others don't.

Guess I won't be in the sun too much next time we return to Florida.

 

[scrapnmom]

My DD has very sensitive skin. The only sunscreen she can use is Vanicream. Our local pharmacy stocks it for us, but unfortunately it's $14.00 a tube. You can also buy it online.

 

[Mandy_in_NC]

I was using the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen. I had used Burt's Bees before & did not have this reaction. I didn't use it this time because it's like paste & I had the most difficult time getting the stuff off of me. I had a white film all over my skin for weeks. LOL


This could be possible. Some of the symptoms "match" & others don't.

Guess I won't be in the sun too much next time we return to Florida.

I used Neutrogena Sensitive skin sun screen for the first time last Sunday when we went for a motorcycle ride and by Sunday night I had broken out in a red itchy rash on my face. It was awful! My face looked like it was on fire and it hurt and burned. And my face peeled and looks so scaley and dry. I have been babying my face trying to get it to clear up by using aloe and Aveno Sensitive skin lotion and taking Bendryl. I will never ever use that kind of sun screen again. I will go back to my Clinque sun screen.

 

[Christine]

While anyone can be allergic to anything, zinc oxide is not a big offender. Before I would say that, I would go buy a tube of zinc oxide cream in the store and put it on your leg or something and see what happens. More than likely, it was something else in the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen. That stuff bothers me too (not to your extent but it irritates my skin). I can only use certain "zinc oxide" sunscreens. They put a lot of other stuff in those sunscreens.

So go buy some pure zinc oxide and see how you react.

 

[MELSMICE]

While anyone can be allergic to anything, zinc oxide is not a big offender. Before I would say that, I would go buy a tube of zinc oxide cream in the store and put it on your leg or something and see what happens. More than likely, it was something else in the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen. That stuff bothers me too (not to your extent but it irritates my skin). I can only use certain "zinc oxide" sunscreens. They put a lot of other stuff in those sunscreens.

So go buy some pure zinc oxide and see how you react.

I'm going to try this so I can rule it out if that's not the culprit.