Sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin - something I just learnt!

[Taurean]

We've been blaming DD's eczema on genes and *possibly* something in her diet since it started appearing across her nose and cheeks a few months ago. It's had us stumped though as it started out of nowhere and only happened randomly. The doctor and our pharmacist (a close friend) said it was probably the heat of summer too, especially given how warm it's been in Perth this summer.

Anyway, I was at mum's group on Monday and thought how good DD's face was looking again before I applied her sunscreen (the rash and eczema generally only last a few days). All was fine until she woke from her nap - the rash had returned and boy was it bad. Finally the penny dropped, I realised it was the sunscreen I had in my nappy bag!!

All these months wondering and that has been the culprit all along! I only use it when I haven't applied sunscreen to her at home (we have a different toddler sunscreen sitting on her change table shelf) so that explains why it only appeared every now and then. I've just done a bit of research and the Cancer Council says sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the main sunscreen agent are usually suitable for those with sensitive skin. The culprit sunsreen, which is the Le Tan Kids one for 'sensitive skin' didn't contain either of those key ingredients

Mystery solved, so happy about that!

[KimB]

I have the opposite problem - sunscreen with zinc in it affects my DD3 and most of my other kids. Poor DD3 was so bad and I had no clue what was causing it until the lightbulb went off lol.

[Artechim]

Glad you figured out what it was.
My DS has problems with some sunscreens. The banana boat baby sensitive gives him eczema. The best one I have found is Nivea, either the child one or just normal.

[~Kim~]

Glad you found her trigger. As an adult with the same issues I totally empathise on the relief of the discovery. FOr me it's the titanium dioxide.... nothing worse than an angry, itchy, red rash all over your face.

[Olive]

we use wotnot its zinc oxide based

[Taurean]

Wow, so it's common to be allergic to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as well that can make things tricky I bet!

Thanks for your feedback and tips girls. Hopefully by elimiating the one I think is the culprit (it's in the bin now!), DD will be OK with the other brands I have. I'll keep the other brands you girls have mentioned in mind if we still experience issues.