I recently went to Mexico for five days for a wedding and made sure I kept a hat on and sat in the shade because of our photosensitivity. I ended up going snorkeling for only 2 hours with an organic sunblock on my face and immediately put my big floppy hat back on afterwards.
Well, my face is a mess with blisters and sores and looks terrible. It has been over a week and I went to the doctors yesterday and he thinks it is an allergic reaction to the organic sunblock (which was on only a short time.) I am thinking it is just from the sun and the result of being in Mexico and the sun rays flashing up to my face under my hat. But it is only on my face and not my body.
Has anybody had this happen to them? The doctor put me on hydrocortisone cream for 5 days. It seems a tiny bit better, but not much.
Liz D.
Is there a reason why you used "organic" sunblock? If you were on the beach, the sun reflects off the sand as well, so a hat isn't nearly as effective as other places.
Generally, the tried-and-true sunblocks have been definitive proven to be effective.
Yes, where we were snorkeling was on some natural reserve and they would not let us use our regular sunblock with chemicals. So they handed out packets to people before we went in the water.
I probably should have used the good old sunblock on my face during the whole vacation even with my hat on!
Liz D.
People laugh at me when I tell them that I don't tan, I don't burn. I get a prickly heat rash from the sun. I still use sunblock because I can't imagine how bad I may burn. As strong as I can find. I know it isn't the sunblock giving me the rash because I could get it if I am out without block for a short time too. It isn't a real "heat" rash because I don't have to be hot to get it. Just have to be in the sun for a period of time. Love to vacation at the beach. I just spend little bits of time in the sun. But I've found beaches with bars right on the beach will provide shading :) And great drinks as well (in moderation of course).
Hi LizD
When I go out in the sun the only thing that will ever turn red/burn is my face. Does not matter if I use SPF 50 plus and a floppy straw hat.
I know my rosacea has always played a part in this. I always suspected I might have lupus because the redness is just over my nose and cheeks. When I take a hot shower my face turns red too. (labs say no to lupus, so far)
In my younger days we spent many vacations in Mexico...and I never used sun block at all, layed out in the sun by the pool. Soooo stupid of me then. Now I have to have actinic keratosis removed off my face now and again....if not, then I have a increased chance of developing squamous cell skin cancer.
What part of Mexico did you go? We first went to cancun...but too touristy and busy, so from then on we always stayed on the island of Cozumel.
Well, I hope you recover fast and your very smart for wearing your sun block. (and big hat)
eye2dry
Liz, I get fed up with people who are anti "chemicals." I would send a nice picture of yourself to the owners, tell them that this is how good their "natural" sunscreen is and request that they send you money to pay for doctors.
Yes, I would have to have the sunscreen also, but the regular kind. I use a lot of it especially in the summer, but oh I wish it were summer, or at least spring. The winter hasn't even been as bad, but can't get out to tend a flower garden. :)
I think I could be happy working in a green house. But, I still love outside gardens of any kind.
With the lupus too now, I do get even sick out in unprotected sun or lack of water.
susanep :)
eye2dry, I was in Playa Del Carmen. I totally agree with you that Cancun is too touristy and not near as nice as this. When we went to Cancun years ago, everyone spoke English. But at this resort in Playa Del Carmen, everyone spoke Spanish and had a hard time understanding English. It was like really visiting a foreign land which is nice to do when you spend a lot of money.
slccom, you are funny. I probably should send a picture of my face to the snorkeling place! I agree some natural things are good, but not all!
I am just going to have to learn I can't vacation like I used to. Go to the mountains and the lake in New Hampshire instead of somewhere tropical.
Liz D.
Liz D., Life is all about change. As we give up something, something else comes into our lives! Come to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and have a great time! (Just don't plan to ski -- the sunburn that way is impressive, too.)
Hugs, Sharon
Just wanted to let people know that I went to the dermatologist today because my skin is worse. I have been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis. Yay!!! 4 new prescriptions!! Tetracycline and 3 different creams!!
Trying not to be depressed about it and hoping the meds act quickly. I was told by dr. not to wear any make up for six weeks. (I feel bad enough about myself, now with no makeup, I'll feel worse!)
Oh well,
Liz D.