Sun Screen for Highly Allergic Child

Updated on May 01, 2009
M.D. asks from Tuckerton, NJ
28 answers

hi moms!

i have a 20 month old who is allergic to EVERYTHING from foods to meds and everything in between. this is a new thing, this time last year he had no health issues and i could change detergents, buy cheap wipes, and he never had a reaction. but for whatever reason all his issues are popping up now.
my question is, what sun screen can i try for children with sensitive skin? i tried aveeno baby and water babies and both caused a rash. Any suggestions?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.K.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,

My daughter has sensitive skin and my pediatrician recommended Blue Lizard for babies. We used it on my daughter and she hasn't broken out from it. It's sometimes hard to find in the stores, so we buy it at drugstore.com.

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.D.

answers from New York on

I use California Baby and Vanicream (I prefer because it is not as thick) for my daughter who has very sensitive skin.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from New York on

my son and i are sensitive and doc recommended Vanicream Sunscreen- works well. You have to ask for it behind the pharmacy counter (atleast I do at ShopRite) but it is not a perscription.Good luck...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from New York on

Hi,
I use California Baby sunscreen for my 2 year old...He has no known allergies but the sunscreen is specially formulted for kids (or adults) with sensitive skins.It is chemical free & has no nut oils,gluten,soy ,oat or dairy.I bought it at Target...
Hope this helps,
Tina

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from New York on

My nephew has sensitive skin and used Blue Lizard. You can buy it online.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Utica on

Hi M.
Allergies are a terrible blight. I am sorry that your son is having such a problem.
Don't think I can answer anything about sun screen, don't know if I even like them. Daughter is having Vit D issues because of its use, and she is a fair skinned red head.
My suggestion is to go to the health food store and talk to them.
My second suggestion is to see if there is a common thread to some of the reactions. My oldest seemed to be allergic to everything, but in fact he was allergic to apple, milk, and corn. Corn was tough because of its varying forms. I didn't catch it, it took a food diary and bringing it to the MD. He took one look and said seems he could easily be allergic to corn. It can be everywhere! Right? Anyway, life did get simpler once I knew. So I always suggest a common thread.
My third suggestion is to give him Vit C, which makes B in your body, and B is the vitamin that builds the cells so that allergens can't get into the blood stream. Because he is so young you would have to ask MD, and then find it at the health food store unless of course MD does Vit B test and prescribes. Mine never would. Most of mine were over 2 when trouble started.
God bless you
Let me know what happens
K. === SAHM married 38 years === adult children 37, coach; 33, lawyer; and twin girls 18, in college after homeschooling.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from New York on

I would buy a full-length (arm and leg) sun/swim suit and a flap hat (has flaps that protect ears and neck) and then you could use zinc oxide on his hands and face. If you don't physically see it, you must reapply, if it's not visible it's not fully blocking the sun.

Other people recommended good sunscreens to try, I have no experience with those, but these suits are great! One source is One Step Ahead:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,

Try the Neutrogena "Pure & Free" Baby Sunblock Lotion (SPF 60+ with PureScreen). It is new.

We just tried it on our son and had no reactions, although he doesn't seem to be as sensitive as yours.

Good luck and I hope it works!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from New York on

California Baby contains no nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, dairy, paba and is chemical free. As for your child, I suggest NAET. They are really successful at clearing allergies in children - they did for mine.... you can get more info at www.naet.com. I'm sure you'll find the naysayers on the web, but like anything non-traditional, proof is in the pudding. Obviously allopathic medicine is too strong for your child so something non invasive like NAET would be a great start. Good luck....

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.C.

answers from New York on

I just bought an Aveeno product just for babies faces and it is all hypoallergenic. I don't have it right herewhere my computer is, but I did buy it in Toys R Us and it cost about $9.99.
My daughter broke out from the sunscreens last year and I am hoping this one will work better.
Hope it can help your little one too!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from New York on

No advice for I've tried everything too. Glad you posted though......will be looking as well! Best of luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Rochester on

Hi M.,

My daughter had a terrible time with allergies and sunscreens in particular would cause her to break out in a red rash all over her body. I found two options that seem to work really well for her. The first was an organic sunscreen that I got from our local health food store. Then one day, I ran out of sunscreen and I needed something quick so I decided to try the Mary Kay Sunscreen since I am a consultant and had it in my inventory. The Mary Kay Sunscreen worked great and she didn't get even the slightest reaction from it. So I now just use the Mary Kay sunscreen on both of my kids. I hope this helps in some way.

God Bless,
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.Z.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,

My son was also VERY allergic to most sunscreens we put on him, and unfortunately he is so fair skinned and blonde that he HAS to have sunscreen on whenever he's outside or he burns. There we two we found that seemed to work and didn't give him hives.

We put Neutrogena Sensitive Skin (SPF 30) on his body. It's not high in SPF, but we reapply every 1-2 hours. He also wears a full body swimsuit (those things are awesome!) or he wears swim trunks and a swim shirt. He never goes bare-chested.

I recently discovered that we can use Clinique Sun Face Cream (SPF 30 or 50) on his face and neck. With every other sunscreen, including Neutrogena, he would immediately break out in hives and be quite miserable. Clinique doesn't give him the hives, which is such a blessing. With him being a busy toddler, I didn't want to let him outside without any kind of protection on his face and neck. He's very good about wearing a hat, but I still wanted something on him to help prevent a sunburn.

We are ready for a fun summer at the beach. I hope you are able to find something that works with your little guy. Good luck to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.C.

answers from New York on

Have you tried any of the sunscreens by California Baby? They are for very sensitive skin. YOu can buy online or I've also seen them at some Target stores, Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.V.

answers from New York on

I use Weleda childrens sunscreen. It get's great reviews. Also, works instantly--you do not have to apply 30 minutes before. Most sunscreens are extremely toxic! Highly recommend to use this or another natural sunscreen (check labels--just because says natural doesn't mean it is!).

This is a little info on it:

Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Certified organic and biodynamic by the Demeter Association

Safe & Non-Toxic
• Free from harmful chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, 1,4-dioxane, and artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives

Environmentally Friendly
• Packaging is low-impact and recyclable
• Produced without the use of pesticides and fertilizers that may be harmful to ecosystems

Baby Basic
• A must-have, essential product

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Rochester on

Try Earth's Best or Burt's Bees...

C.O.

answers from New York on

M. - Arbonne International has a fantastic Baby Line of products including a sunscreen. It's all I use on my boys and I feel confident that it is perfectly safe for them. One misconception about sunscreens is if you use one with a SPF higher than 30, it's just pumped up with more chemicals to get the higher SPF number. Often times people with sensitivities will end up with a 'chemical burn' which is a sunburn caused by the reaction of all the chemicals in the sun. This means higher numbers can be dangerous for many people. SPF should be used in lower numbers, but more often applied. If you would like to sample Arbonne Baby Care's product let me know I'd be happy to help!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Rochester on

M.,

Stay out of the sun 10-3. Go out early AM, Late afternoons. There are shirts that are woven tightly that act as sunscreen. You can find them Babies R Us or Land's End.

Don't give him one more thing to contend with.

You might consider a water-softener - or bathing him in softened water if it is too much.

Good luck,
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.N.

answers from New York on

My son also has allergies and very sensitive skin. A friend turned us on to a lotion called Vanicream and it's wonderful. We use it twice a day and my son's skin looks pretty normal now. The lotion contains no dyes, perfumes, parabens, etc. They make a sunscreen but I haven't tried it myself. You can order it on drugstore.com or ask your pharmacist to order it for you. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,
Neutrogena makes a good hypo allergenic sunscreen, I forget the name of it. You might also want to try something that's primarily zinc without an excess of other chemicals. A dermatologist or an allergist might also have some good suggestions about products to use.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from New York on

M.-
I have researched sunscreen for over 10 hours for my internet business....the best by far is zinc oxide. All chemical sunscreens (which is a large portion of what is in the stores) have numerous ingredients that can cause rashes and have been linked to hormonal disruption as well as other health issues.
I recommend Green Screen by Kabana--it is excellent and should not irritate your babies skin.....if you want to learn what I found, go to my website. There is alot of educational information based on almost 2 years of research that I personally did. This included using the internet, buying chemical dictionaries to look up the ingredients in my products and speaking with the owners and creators of many of the products. I hope this helps you a little.
My site is www.beauty-with-integrity.com. Please take a minute to read some of the info, I know you will find it eye opening. Thanks
R. P

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from New York on

I dont' know if this would do it - but here is a sunscreen to try. Enfuselle SPF 30 http://www.shaklee.net/healthmatters4u/product/32556

I am not sure if you have solved your detergent issues, however I have a lot of customers who have had success with the Get Clean Line. www.shaklee.net/healthmatters4u/getclean/index

Also, available May 1 are a new Baby & Children line. Here is info. http://www.nosickvisits.com/whats_new.html

All of these products could be returned for your money back if they do not meet your satisfaction.

Feel free to contact me if you have additioanl questions.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from New York on

HI, My daughter age 11 is HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO SUNBLOCK.

She can ONLY use Neutragena Sensitive Skin Sunblock SPF 30 which is expensive and only comes in a cream form (no sticks, etc...) The Key is that the sunblock not contain OXYBENZONE, or AVOBENZONE, as those are chemical Sunblocks. The Neutragena Sunblock I am telling you about does not contain any of those chemicals. I had to take her to a pediatric dermatologist a few years ago to get to the bottom of the itchy rash she had, and this has completely solved the problem. It is my understanding from the doctor that there are some other products available on-line that might be organic, etc... but they are even more expensive than the Neutragena (which costs me about $8.00 for a small bottle).
I hope this helps.
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.J.

answers from New York on

Hi Meldoy - Arbonne puts out a baby line that has a SPF 30. It is pure, safe, and beneficial. It is made without mineral oil, and without all the other things that may be harmful. You can all me ###-###-#### or go on the Arbonne website and use my consultant number 17222859 to place an order. You can call Arbonne 1-800-272-6663, use my consultant number, and deal with a customer service rep. Babies, young children, as well as adults use this line and have wonderful results. Love to talk to you,and of course, offer you a discount for purchasing through me. Good Luck, I. J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.T.

answers from New York on

I use Vanicream lotion and sunblock on my allergic son. I get it through national allergy website.
good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from New York on

I would try one of the chemical-free natural/mineral sunscreens. There are two I like--one is Melaleuca, and the other is a new one by Neutrogena--it's a baby sunscreen, spf 60, but I plan for the whole family to use it. I just got it last week from drugstore.com--I bought one and got the other for 1/2 off.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from New York on

use Vanacreme sunscreen, or Blue Lizard Sensitive in the white bottle

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches