Rochester, N.Y. - Enjoying the hot temperatures and the sunshine can be difficult for people allergic to sunscreen, unless they know what to look for at the store.
For some people, getting sun protection isn't so easy. The sun-absorbing chemicals listed on the back of the bottle can give you an allergic reaction.
"The very nature of it, absorbing the ultraviolet light to make it less reactive and less dangerous, does some things to the skin that make for that reaction," said dermatologist Dr. William Patrick.
Reactions can come the form of a rash, redness or itchiness. The severity of the allergy could also depend on the sun protection factor, or SPF.
"Sometimes something you're allergic to or that you are going to have a reaction to is going to all depend on how concentrated it is," Dr. Patrick said. "If you put it on and it's not as concentrated, you're not going to have as much as a reaction.
If you think you have an allergy, Dr. Patrick said you may have to try different sunscreens until you find the one that works best for you.
Sunblock with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best for allergies. They're found most often in baby sunscreen.
Doctors suggest using a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 30, and one that's not waterproof.
Choosing a sunscreen should get a little less confusing next summer when new government regulations kick will take affect. The new rules will prohibit claims like waterproof. Dr. Patrick said you need to re-apply sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
