Hello Moms,
We just returned from a week in Florida. While on vacation, our 2 & 1/2 year old son had an allergic reaction to something, we are thinking possibly the sunscreen. His cheeks were hot, bright red and rough. He had hives on the back of his neck and the following day had tiny red dots on his arms and legs (basically everywhere we used sunscreen). He was also vomitting and had diahrea - not sure if it was part of the allergic reaction or if he just happened to have a 24 hour bug at the same time. The first day we used a baby sunscreen that we have used on him before. The next day, we switched to Huggies which he used pretty much daily last summer with no reaction. I have read online that some people have an allergic reaction to the sun, caused by the chemicals in the sunscreen; don't know if that is the case here. Should I bring him to the pediatrician or a dermatologist? His skin is slowly clearing up, but I need a solution before summer arrives and he is begging to go outside. Has anyone experienced this before? Can anyone recommend a good sunscreen that is all natural or organic? Thanks in advance for the advice.
Hi S.,
My daughter reacted the same way to the baby sunscreens and the "sporty" ones. We use the Neutrogena 90 proof (I know I know 90 proof?!? haha). It's a little pricey but she hasn't had a problem yet.
~Kristal
Sounds like it might have been sun poisining with the vomiting etc. The Dr would know. My daughter is VERY sensitive to all that we put on her skin. She once had a reaction to Coppertone Baby sunscreen. Her face got very red and a bit puffy. We gave her benadryl and it was gone w/i the hour. We now use Aveeno spray 60 for kids (yellowish dispenser) and she has no problem with it - even on her face. Glad he's feeling better.
I am allergic to Skin-so -soft, which I used to use to repel bugs. I got the same reaction you describe. Check the ingredients in the 2 you tried and then try to find one that doesnt have the same 2 ingredients. A health food store might be the solution.
Was he in chlorinated water? that bothers my kids' skin sometimes.
K. Z.
Try Sun Shades Mineral Plus SPF 30+. It’s a safer sunscreen for people with sensitive skin.
One of my children used to react the same way to sunscreen especially if I used the baby type ones. I had contacted companies and found a very generic answer that certain ingredients effect certain people. We have been using Neutrogena brand ever since and have never looked back (he is now 10!!). Well worth the switch!!
Talk to your doctor also abou possible heat exhaustion. It can effect people differently but the red skin, vomiting and diarhea is all part of that too. Definatly could be an allergy or stomick bug but I would think of heat exhaustion. A.
Definitely sounds like he got a little 24 hour gi bug. If he's well hydrated and no fever, sounds like he's better. See your doctor if he's not better. He may have also been sensitive to sunscreen too. Blue lizard baby makes a great sunscreen. My sin who has eczema tolerates it well. Good luck.
My daughter has sensitive skin and had a reaction to baby sunscreen that we've even used in the past. I believe it's a combo of the sunscreen and the sun together - because nothing happened when there wasn't much hot sun.
I now use Burt's Bees but it's VERY chalky. This year I plan on using that or another natural kind in combo with the UV clothing so there's just generally less need for the sunscreen.
My son is allergic to sunscreen. He has had a reaction to pretty much everything but since he's a pale redhead, we don't have much choice. We use Blue Lizzard. There are no chemicals in it. He still gets red wherever we put it, but not everytime and not as bad. All of the other ones suggested did the same thing but Blue Lizzard doesn't have to be applied as much, so it cuts down on the exposure.
My daughter is sensitive to sunscreen. We only use sunblock with either zinc or titanium dioxide. It works as a physical sunscreen that sits on your skin and reflects UV-rays. We also make sure that the list of "inactive ingredients" is as short as possible. My daughter has been ok with Neutrogena Baby Sensitive (SPF 60+ - pink packaging) and California Baby. I prefer California Baby, but it can be hard to find.
If you use a physical rather than a chemical sunblock, you do have to apply it liberally and a whitish film will remain on the skin - that's why many people don't like it, but I do believe it is both, superior protection from UV rays and better for you, since there are less chemicals.
Also you can reduce your use of sunscreen by putting protective clothing (including a hat and sunglasses) on your child.
Good luck.
