I am curious if anyone else has encountered a sensitivity to aerosol sunscreens. Even the smallest whiff sends me into coughing fits, and sometimes I experience a spasm in my throat if I get a big whiff. I have to stop swimming and wait for the coughing to pass. When I start swimming again, I can hear a raspy sound as I breathe, and I seem to be short of breath. I am hoarse for the rest of the day.
I'm wondering if this is dangerous. Also, other than not swimming out of doors, how can I control my exposure this. I am particularly worried about LC Nationals, because it could totally wreck my day. I'm curious to know if others have this problem and how they deal with it.
Maybe you should see your MD and get an RX for an inhaler to prevent broncospasm. It might be safe to have an antidote for anaphylaxis-like one used by persons sensitive to wasp stings. I usually apply the sunscreen at home because it should be on for a while before going into the water and the heat breaks down the SPF so the container should be kept inside. At a swim meet in a tropical climate there might be lots of fumes-so protect yourself.
I am curious if anyone else has encountered a sensitivity to aerosol sunscreens. Even the smallest whiff sends me into coughing fits, and sometimes I experience a spasm in my throat if I get a big whiff. I have to stop swimming and wait for the coughing to pass. When I start swimming again, I can hear a raspy sound as I breathe, and I seem to be short of breath. I am hoarse for the rest of the day.
I'm wondering if this is dangerous.
yes... inhaling sunblock is dangerous.
putting many of them on your skin is also dangerous:
www.ewg.org/.../Beach-Sunscreens
If you prefer the non-greasy liquid sunscreens there are some pump-bottle kinds that don't send the sunscreen into the air.
Sunscreen is supposed to be applied generously, and not inhaled, and I agree I don't see how it's possible to accomplish both with an aerosol sunscreen :) particularly the Neutrogena aerosol which produces a really fine mist.
The issue is not MY sunscreen activity, but that of others. It's totally unpredictable, and I am at the mercy of others. People just don't know what they are putting in the air. Non-judgemental on my part. If I see it, I bolt. Otherwise, I suffer. I don't mean to whine. I just want to be able to swim.
Thanks to all for suggestions. My sunscreen habits work for me by trial and error. I just wish the spray stuff would become unpopular. It appears that this is not a widespread problem, so I plan to fend for myself!
