Child with Skin Allergies and Allergic to Sunscreens

Updated on May 30, 2008
K.R. asks from Dallas, TX
46 answers

My about to be 4 year old daughter is one of those triangle kids with allergies, asthma, eczema. Summer has officially begun for us and we've been swimming and playing outdoors a lot. Already we are having lots of itching due to sunscreens. She has a derm who last year recommended several diff sunblocks (Blue LIzard, Cotz Lotion, Neutrogena Sensitive Skin, and Vanicream). We have tried the Neutrogena as it is the only one that is waterproof. It still made her itch. I just purchased Burts Bees, but it is not waterproof and we swim almost daily in the summer. I've ordered Vanicream through my pharmacy, but assume it is probably not waterproof either. The Vanicream is the one our derm recommended. Does anyone have suggestions for sunblocks (not sunscreen as I guess the chemicals in them are very irritating) that work and don't irritate. I know hats and even those swim shirts are an option, but won't work daily. I would appreciate any input. Thank you.

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A.E.

answers from Amarillo on

Try Arbonne sun block and the Arbonne baby care line -- they are terrific for people who have allergies!! E-mail me at ____@____.com for information.
A. Evans

1 mom found this helpful

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D.R.

answers from Dallas on

K., I too am a Mom with children that have various allergies and eczema. I started my own investigation and was amazed to discover the amount of toxins that are in the name brand products sold over the counter. Research backed up my fears that these commonly used products could be the root of my children’s problems. You many want to check this site out http://www.ahealthcafe.com/reports free online Wellness Seminars are available. I hope this is helpful.

D.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.P.

answers from Dallas on

I also have to agree with Holly M. My 4 yr old daughter, 19 month old son and husband all have eczema badly. The only thing that has helped us is removing all of the toxins from our home, as well as we don't use any products that have toxic chemicals in them.

The only way to truly do this, is to switch out all the products you now use to all natural products. There are many ways to do this, however that being said; the only way that I found that I can do it all at one time, and not have to shop at several different stores, is to switch all my products out to Melaleuca products. It has truly helped. And with Melaleuca...I have 5 different complete lines of products to shop from...so all of my shopping is done with them once a month, online, and shipped straight to my door via UPS. It's awesome!! I don't buy any cleaning, laundry, bath, dental, vitamins, etc at any other place only Melaleuca! We have over 350 products to choose from....there is no other company out there today that offers that...I know because I have friends who have tried them, and stopped using them as well. It's wonderful!!

My children, and husband's eczema has been in "remission" (so to speak) for 3 yrs now! (Well not our 19 month old, because he's not old enough for it to have been 3 yrs...but his has not flared up since birth) It is a great feeling to know that I am helping my family as well as keeping them safe from chemicals all at the same time! To have my husband not waking up all hrs of the night scratching his arms is an awesome thing! No more scabs from scratching so much.

If you are intersted either contact Holly M or you may also look into my website. I have a website that is products based only and it is www.livetotalwellness.com/SheilaP also you can view some info on products as well as at www.saferforyourhome.com Let us know if we can help you in anyway!!

Good luck to ya,
~S. P

2 moms found this helpful
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G.C.

answers from Dallas on

My son's eczema is completely cleared up after receiving NAET treatments. I highly recommend you check out their website. www.NAET.org there are several practitioners in the DFW area.

I could go on for days to tell you how bad it was, but you all know how bad it gets, the cracked bleeding skin, the whelps and itch it covered him from wrists up to his neck and across his back and shoulders by the time we started treatments, also behind his knees. We went through 2 summers of Texas heat wearing long sleeve shirts and buying a new skin care item every week to try. We started in February and now he only breaks out if he is upset about something. It is truly amazing.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Dallas on

My 8 month old has very, very sensitive skin (eczema, allergies, etc.) It seems that all lotions irritate her, even Cetaphil, and ESPECIALLY Aveeno products. So when summer arrived, I asked several moms about what's worked best for their little ones. Overwhelmingly, I got two responses: Mustela products (pricey but definitely worth it) and the Baby Blanket brand sunscreen (not pricey at all, and amazingly sensitive for easily-irritable skin).

Mustela: http://www.mustelausa.com/about_sun.html

Baby Blanket: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3082052

I have seen both at Babies-R-Us, and have only tried the Baby Blanket so far, and no problems yet. Hope that's helpful!

1 mom found this helpful
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Z.D.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried California Baby sunscreen? California Baby a line that's chemical-free and good for sensitive skin (kind of like Burts Bees, but better). It says it's "very water resistant" so not waterproof, but they claim that it "Retains effectiveness after 80 minutes of activity in water or perspiring." You can usually California Baby stuff at Target, Whole Foods and of course online (BabyCenter.com has good prices). Also, they have an Eczema Care sampler so you can try several of their products in a sample sizes - including the sunscreen. http://www.californiababy.com/eczema-relief.html

1 mom found this helpful
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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

My son and I both suffer from eczema! Our skin is very sensitive. We use the sunscreen from Melaleuca. I have also converted my home over completely to Melaleuca products. We have been outbreak free for 1 1/2. Let me know if you would like to learn more. Membership is $14.50 until the end of the month. They offer 100% money back guarantee on EVERYTHING, including membership! You can cancel at anytime! They also offer you $100. of free products. I hope that I can talk with you. This company has really changed my families life.

H. M.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

K.,

We use Jason's brand, available at Whole Foods. Not very expensive. Doesn't have the harmful chemicals. They sell very water resistant ones that really stay on good in water.

Regarding the sensitivities,however, a more important question might be why does she react so severely? What is aggravating her immune system to respond in this manner?

The likely answer lies in her diet. You might consider food intolerance testing. A good lab is www.enterolab.com. Eczema and asthma are pretty well known to be connected with dairy intolerances (casein). Rather than try to soothe the symptoms with new and different creams, she would benefit more in the long run if you helped her to get her body healthy and her immune system back to normal. This lab is the best I know of, more accurate than blood and skin scratch testing. You don't need a doctor's order. Just order the test online, they send you the test kit, you send in the specimen (stool) and they email you the results. Gluten and casein are the biggest offenders, with half the population sufferiing from one or both of these. Soy is another big aggravant. For more info on nutrition and supplement recommendations, you can also go to www.mercola.com.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.P.

answers from Dallas on

I don't have a direct answer or recommendation, but a related thought. Our son has all three of those conditions as well as a peanut allergy. He's now 6 and has outgrown the eczema. We began using Cetaphil as his bath soap when he was about 18 months old. By age 2, his condition was much better. Not much redness and less "alligator" dry skin. Then we began using the generic versions with no difference. It may be that your daughter's sensitivity to the sunblocks is more severe when the eczema is flaring. If you can use products to lesson the symptoms in general, it could help with the sunblock.

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
My grandson had terrible eczema and has a very light complexion and the Arbonne sun screen works wonderfully on him. Arbonne is a botanically based sunscreen rather than a chemical based suncreen and it contains no mineral oil. Call me if you would like to try a sample. Arbonne also has products for eczema. You can reach me at ###-###-#### or ###-###-#### or ____@____.com.

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried a different dermatologist? Perhaps they would have a different method than the past dermatologist.

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L.L.

answers from Dallas on

hi! try uvnatural sunscreen, they sell it at whole foods. it's very expensive but i think water proof and uses all natural gental ingrediants. they make one especially for babies which you can find on the internet. L.

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E.P.

answers from Dallas on

You really shouldn't write off the sun shirts. My kids wear them every day to swim. Just hang them to dry with the swimsuits and they are ready to wear the next day. Check out solartex.com - they sell a brand called c-wear from Australia that makes a long sleeved shirt. They hold up so well, that i've been able to hand down the shirts from my older daughter to younger. good luck!

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M.T.

answers from Dallas on

I love the Arbonne baby sunscreen and the face and body sunscreen. There are no harsh chemicals and hypo allergenic. I would love to share any more information with you. www.m3vno.myarbonne.com I have a client whose baby has similar reactions and allergies and uses the face and body sunscreen for him. Thanks M. ###-###-####

C.F.

answers from Dallas on

I got a very bad rash from the carpet at my job and it just spread very quickly I went to a natural health food store and the lady suggested a cream with calendula, it was fantastic and the rash clearly away quickly. They sell this kind of stuff at Whole Foods, just talk to one of the associates in the aisle with the vitamins, skin care, etc they are very helpful. Also, anything with tea tree is good, it stinks but it helps

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A.W.

answers from Lubbock on

I have always been able to use Aveeno on my baby with no problems. I have heard that the stuff Avon has is good also.

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V.M.

answers from Dallas on

K., ARBONNE is the answer. I would be very glad to send you a FREE sample of the ABC (baby line) & Arbonne even has a 45 day money back guarantee! The products include body/hair wash/shampoo, lotion, oil, sunscreen & diaper rash cream. THEY are AWESOME & nothing to lose! V..myarbonne.com
or call me anytime at ###-###-####
____@____.com

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J.E.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K. R.,

Have you tried Arbonne Baby Care Products. They will not only help with eczema but, they have a wonderful sunscreen too. There are not harmful ingredients in these products. If you would like for me to send you a sample to try please go to my website at www.healthynutrition.myarbonne.com and I will be glad to send a sample to you.

Have a great day,
J.

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Avon has a sunscreen/bug spray that works gret. I have the same allergies and it is with anything that says PABA. Coppertone sport is also really good.

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B.D.

answers from Dallas on

I have not tried the sunscreen yet, but we have had to convert to California Baby products for bathing/lotion for my son. Target has a limited line, Whole Foods has their entire line, and I've also bought from drugstore.com w/ free shipping.

Good luck to you! I know it's a struggle, but at least safer and higher quality products are appearing more for our kids to give us some options.

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

Same thing here. We use the Disney brand sunscreen it advertises no AD, it doesn't bother my kids skin at all. Problem is I can't find it anywhere anymore. I found some at Big Lots and bought a lot. I did notice at Walmart there is a brand called NO-AD I am going to try it when we run out of the Disney. Hopefully it will work because it is a lot less expensive than going with Arbonne (which is a great product).

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C.S.

answers from Amarillo on

You should check out this web site: http://www.coolibar.com/men-s-swimwear.html

the clothing here has sun block built in, and the reviews are great. it is supposed to be fast drying. I know it is a little pricy, but it could be a solution.

C.

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L.T.

answers from Dallas on

Same issue here--the only thing that works for us is california baby--we get ours at Whole Foods

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B.L.

answers from Dallas on

I know of a product can help with eczema. The product is called Renew. If you are interested in the product check out my website and I can get you more information. My website is: www.myfamily-mylife.com. I hope that this helps or whatever actions you take.

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D.O.

answers from Dallas on

My boys have allergies, asthma, & eczema as well. We use Sunsport on them and it works great!

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S.A.

answers from Dallas on

K.-
I have to second the Arbonne baby products. I only use them on my son- who has suffered from Eczema since 3 months, has sensitivies to lotions/soaps, etc. If you'd like to try the arbonne products, please let me know!!
I have also used Kiels products on my son which work wonderfully also, but they are much pricier than Arbonne's.

S. W.

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C.V.

answers from Dallas on

Hello K., the best thing would be to not use sunscreen at all. But the weather does not always permit us to do that.
My husband refuses to wear sunscreen knowing that it will be absorbed through our skin. My children and I will do the minimum only if we are in the sun for a long period of time.

There is much research right now on how beneficial the sun is even for cancer patients. For more information, go on to www.mercola.com . Dr.Mercola may also be able to help you with sunblock.

I am a consultant for Arbonne which carries sun protection products. I see that you have already received many responses from other consultants as well. Please feel free to contact me if you feel led to concerning Arbonne or any other questions you may have.

Blessings

C.
Inspiring the Wellness in You!
www.pebblecrossing.com

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A.W.

answers from Dallas on

Arbonne Baby products do not have any chemical dyes or fragrances, no mineral oil, no animal by-products, no nut oils, are pediatrician-tested and are completely hypoallergenic. Our whole family uses the baby sunscreen and we use the diaper cream to spot treat my daughter's excema as well as to treat any rashes or bug bites caused from things outside. It is good for the water and SPF 30. I am a consultant and have some you could try for a few days if you are interested. I always offer my 35% discount as well.

Sincerely,
A. Wheeler
Independent Consultant
Regional Vice President
###-###-####
____@____.com

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
My older sister has a baby whose skin is also sensitive. My sisters and I all use Arbonne;s baby body wash, lotion, and sunscreen and have never had problems. It is expensive, but it is great stuff. My son has never had a rash--though he's only 4 months, but my sisters love the stuff too. Try arbonne.com and look under the baby section. Good luck!

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
People will say many things to try, and that is great, but having raised a daughter with each of the problems your child has, my sincerest advice is to call or see your pediatrician and ask for a referal to a dermatologist specializing with children with your childs problems, (if your pediatrician also can assist,
no specialist will be needed), and go from there. Not only did I raise her with the problems, but three of my five grandchildren have similar problems. But, as I said, my advice to you is to seek professional assistance in lieu of spending a fortune on he said/she said remedies. In the end, you will probably wind up spending much less going this route than the opposing. My prayers go out to you, it is rough going at times, but remember you have a wonderful force in your corner.
God bless,
T.

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T.E.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.,

I'm an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International and we have a great baby sunscreen that has been Dermatologist tested and botanically based. It is an excellent product! If you would like a sample packet I would be glad to send you one and you can test it on your daughter on one spot and see if there is a reaction. My daughters have sensitive skin and eczema and this has been a great product for them with no reactions. Please give it a try!
Have a great day!
T.
###-###-####

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C.E.

answers from Dallas on

I am an Arbonne National Vice President. Arbonne is a pure safe and beneficial product that is botanically based. We have a sunscreen that is for children that is spf 30 that is water-resistant. It is recommended with for children with eczema and skin allergies because there are no added dyes, frangrances, or chemicals. I could give you some to try if you would like. They also have one that is anti-aging for all ages that is spf 30 and water-resistant and a spf 15. Please contact me for more information ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know if this will help, but I was just in Target yesterday and they have a wide variety of swim shirts.

Also, if you care to take a look at a book called "healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Dr. Weissbluth says even some childhood issues like eczema are related to sleep habits. http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Sleep-Habits-Happy-Child/dp...

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

I HIGHLY suggest you go to good health food store and use one of their brands. Ask an associate, they will show you a good one. We don't use commercial store sunscreens anymore. We use the ones from the health food store.

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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

K.,

My daughter and myself have eczema too and the pool is so drying. Don't forget to have her take a bath right after swimming in the pool to get the clorine off. That may help the eczema a little.
Please update us all and let us know what works.

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S.W.

answers from Wichita Falls on

AVON caries a mineral based sunblock that blocks UVA/UVB rays. It is a moisture therapy product. No chemicals!!! www.youravon.com/suzannewebb

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C.G.

answers from Jacksonville on

Have you ever thought about what makes some sunblocks water proof? Maybe all you needs is to mix the sunblock with some thing like a petroleum jelly, eucerine, or a medicated petroleum jelly? I hope you get a lot of help.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

Try the blue lizard for babies. I just bought some on a recommendation from a friend. I had bought Aveeno a few weeks before and made my my chest break out in welps and my face and arms break out in bumps everywhere. I have very sensitive skin and my grandson has really bad eczema. We used the blue lizard this Memorial day weekend at a baseball tournament and it seemed to work great for both of us and I have started using it on my face this week for everyday. It did not seem to bother him at all and held up well with all of the sweating he was doing and did not irratate his eyes. I found it a Pharmacy Plus.

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M.V.

answers from Tyler on

We have the exact same problem at our house too and it is very frustrating. We have poured tons of money into skin care products only to be disappointed. We were introduced to Arbonne's products a year and a half ago and we haven't had 1 breakout or flare up since. The products are waterproof as the chemicals to make it "waterproof" are VERY irritating to the skin; however, they are water resistant. We are very fair skinned so I have always re-applied sunscreen no matter if it was "waterproof" or not. I would be happy to send you a sample and/or give you my 35% discount if you are interest. You can email me from my website www.foravibrantlife.myarbonne.com. I can also email you the ingredients list if would like to see it. I wish you all the best and would be happy to discuss the allergy/asthma/eczema issues with you since we have been there! Best wishes! M.

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W.R.

answers from Waco on

We're having the same problem here. My allergist just recommended California Baby for my daughter. I looked it up and it is supposed to last around 80 minutes in the water (which is about the same as other sunscreens if people read the labels, lol). I'm hoping this works for us! I've heard you can find CB products at Target, Whole Foods, etc, as well as online.

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V.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.. I would suggest you try AVON moisture therapy anti itch spray lotion for only $4.99 It works great for insect bites, rashes, cuts and burns, scrapes. It is an oatmeal anti itch spray lotion that is nongreasy and contains colloidal oat, a natural ingredient known to help soothe skin. Allery and dermatologist tested. I have a web site that you can order from www.youravon.com/vstribling
I use it on the kids whenever they get insect bites or scrapes or burns and cuts. It works great. We also have a bug guard plus sunscreen spary with SPF30 that is very water resistant and dermatologist tested that can be used on children.
hope this helps

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried Mary Kay's sunscreen, it's waterproof and 100% guaranty, if it doesn't work you can get your money back. If you are interested let me know.

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A.A.

answers from Dallas on

I would try out the Arbonne Damage Control SPF 30 Water Proof. Arbonne prides themselves on being a pure, vegan, and holistic approach to nutrition, skin, and baby care. Let me know if you would like to try out the sunscreen all of our products are backed up by a 45 day money back promise.

A. Anderson
Consultant ID#17703210
###-###-####
~~~ www.arbonne.com ~~~
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:5

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