Sunscreen Allergy

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Abstract
The results of patch and photopatch tests in a series of 14 Australian patients with suspected sunscreen allergy are presented and the international literature on sunscreen allergy is reviewed. There were a total of 14 allergic reactions to sunscreen chemicals observed in 10 patients over 7 years (1982 to 89). There were six positive photopatch reactions to PABA, four to benzophenone, three to butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane, and one to cinnamate. Three patients had positive tests to more than one of these chemicals. In two more patients reactions were caused by an allergy to a component of the sunscreen base, and in another two patients to an irritant reaction caused by simultaneous use of a moisturizing cream. Not only PABA-related chemicals, but all the other active sunscreen agents commonly used in Australian sunscreen products (cinnamates, benzophenones, and dibenzoylmethanes) are potential allergens. Informed advice on future skin protection requires identification of the allergen with patch and photopatch testing.

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