SUNBLOCK SENSITIVITY

It is summer and time to be especially conscientious about slathering sunscreen over exposed areas of the body before going outside.  Some people need to be especially cautious about the ingredients that are used in the sunscreen to block ultraviolet rays. Products that contain the chemical compound benzophenone (or its derivatives) are known to cause an allergic skin reaction called photo contact dermatitis.  People who are allergic to benzophenone can experience inflammation, itching, and redness where their lotioned limbs have been exposed to sunlight.  The sun changes the chemical compound into a substance that the immune system attacks as an invader.  An allergist can confirm the presence of photo contact dermatitis and prescribe treatments to soothe uncomfortable skin reactions.

P.S.  UV blockers used in sunscreens have been known to cause coral bleaching when these products are washed off humans into the ocean’s waters.

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