Something New Under the Sun: Sunscreen Allergies and Irritancies

Although sunscreen agents are generally well-tolerated, physicians need to be cognizant of possible adverse consequences.

Sunscreen use has increased dramatically. More than 85% of European dermatology patients use these photoprotective agents. Sunscreens are used alone but are also found in make-up and emollients, hair sprays, and shampoos. The same chemicals are incorporated into manufactured products and magazine ink to protect against photodegradation. These authors reviewed the literature and found 306 English-language reports evaluating adverse sunscreen effects.

Key points: Most sunscreen adverse effects are irritant, allergic, phototoxic, or photoallergic contact dermatitis. Almost all photo-induced reactions are provoked by UVA radiation. Phototoxic and irritant reactions to sunscreens are more frequent than allergic and photoallergic reactions. Allerg…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)