16 answers

Toddler Allergic to Sunscreen?

My third child seems to be having an allergic reaction to sunscreen. I've used both Coppertone 50 and Banana Boat 50 (both for babies). Both times I've used them she has developed a rash that covered the area I put the sunscreen on. The rash is a bunch of tiny, pin-point sized bumps that she scratches like crazy. She is 20 months old. I rubbed some anti-itch cream on her, bathed her in Aveeno and then finally resorted to giving her a tiny bit of antihistamine since she was jerking around in her bed, itching, unable to sleep.

Has anyone else experienced this? And/or can anyone recommend a sunscreen for babies with sensitive skin? Do you know which specific ingredient(s) could be causing the reaction so I could avoid them?

I have two older children who have never had this reaction to sunscreen, and my 20 month old daughter has no other known allergies.

I appreciate the help!

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Wow, Moms--Thanks for all the great suggestions. Since I now live in Canada (which means no Target and no Whole Foods, sigh...), I went to the local drugstore and searched for sunscreens without Paraben, oxybenzote (sp?) nor fragrance of any kind. What I found that met those requirements is the Aveeno Baby spf 30. Other than that, they only had Coppertone and Banana Boat brands that had lots of additives. We tried the Aveeno on Saturday and voila! No rash! So that's what we'll stick with. I appreciate knowing what to look for and what to avoid from all your input!

Featured Answers

It is possible that she is allergic to some of the other "stuff" in the sunscreen, fragrance, etc.

I use a product called SolBar. It is not at all creamy, it is a thin watery gel. It absorbs immediately into skin and doesn't leave you sticky.

You can get it without a prescription, but most pharmacies don't stock it, you'll have to order it, or perhaps you can find it online.

I have a daughter that has sensitive skin too. There's a brand called Earth's Best,and it is all organic products. The have a product called Mineral Based Sunblock SPF30+.
Hope this helps.

More Answers

California Baby...you can get it at Target or at Whole Foods. Its the gentlest sunscreen out their for babies. It is a little pricy, but trust me, a little bit goes a long way!

Good luck!

My daughter doesn't typically have sensitive skin but I've always used organic sunscreen. And the one time that someone put non-organic sunscreen on her (I think it was water babies), she broke out in a rash and her eyes got all red and watery. So my best suggestion is to use organic or all natural sunscreen. I would recommend staying away from the Earth's Best brand. It works just fine but the consistency is very pasty and it's difficult to rub in.

L.,

I agree that you should consult her doctor - at least it's worth a phone call to see what they say.

One of my boys had a reaction to one of the "cheaper" brands of baby sunscreen last summer. Now I only use California Baby no frangrance. It is more expensive, but certainly worth the extra money!

The Skin Deep website is a great reference for safer products if you haven't already found it. All products labeled "baby" are not the same! :)

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=baby...

It sounds like she is allergic. Call your doctor.

It is possible that she is allergic to some of the other "stuff" in the sunscreen, fragrance, etc.

I use a product called SolBar. It is not at all creamy, it is a thin watery gel. It absorbs immediately into skin and doesn't leave you sticky.

You can get it without a prescription, but most pharmacies don't stock it, you'll have to order it, or perhaps you can find it online.

Have you tried Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion? My daughter has fair skin and a sensitivity to suncreen and this brand work out well for her.

Many, many sunscreens include chemicals that can be toxic to the skin and other organs. There is a website (www.ewg.org) where you can find sunscreens that are natural and non-toxic. You might pay more, but it's worth it.

Good luck!
L.

http://thegreenparent.blogspot.com/search?q=sun+block
This ming give you a hand in finding a good one fore your family.
:) A. H

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.