Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSunscreen AllergiesAllergy to SunlightBarbecue AllergiesAllergies & SwimmingInsect AllergiesSand AllergiesFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sunscreen Allergies
Allergy to Sunlight
Barbecue Allergies
Allergies & Swimming
Insect Allergies
Sand Allergies
FAQ
A sand rash or otherallergic reactionat the beach can take some of the fun out of a day of sun and sea. The allergy may not only be due to substances you touch or breathe but also to things you may never have thought of, like sunscreen or even sunlight.
Insects like sand fleas can cause an allergic reaction to bites, while the sand itself may harbor pathogens and parasites that cause a rash, respiratory problems, and other symptoms.
This article explores some of the common and uncommon allergies you might experience at the beach and ways to prevent or treat them.
Family fun in Mexico.Uwe Krejci / Getty Images
Sunscreenis considered a must at the beach to reduce the risk ofskin cancer. However, certain chemicals in sunscreen can cause a reaction in some people, known asallergic contact dermatitis.Symptoms include a red and itchy rash, often with bumps and blisters.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reactions to sunscreen can be due to the active ingredients (e.g.oxybenzone) or due to fragrances or preservatives included in the sunscreen product. Oxybenzone also can react with chlorine if your beach day involves a pool, too.
For some people, the reaction to sunscreen only appears when they are exposed to both the sunscreen and the sun, and they would not react if sunscreen were worn in shaded environments.
Irritation and Allergies to Face Cream and Other Skin Products
Allergies to Sunlight
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Some sun allergies have nothing to do with the sun. Instead, they are caused when basking in the sun causes the body to overheat.
Known ascholinergicurticaria, this form of allergy causes symptoms similar to solar urticaria but can affect covered parts of the body as well as uncovered parts. Cholinergic urticaria is now treated withXolair (omalizumab), which tends to work better thanantihistamineslike Allegra (fexofenadine) orZyrtec (cetirizine).
In rare cases, solar urticaria can cause a life-threatening allergic response calledanaphylaxisthat can’t be treated with antihistamines. Because of this, it is usually recommended to limit sun exposure if you have a history of solar urticaria. Talk with your physician about whether you need to carry anepinephrine auto-injector(EpiPen or Auvi-Q) or epinephrine nasal spray (Neffy) to treat anaphylaxis.
Sun Allergies and MedicationsFor some people, a heat rash or allergy symptoms happen due to certain medications. The sun exposure can lead to symptoms in people who take someantibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anddiureticsused to treat heart conditions.
Sun Allergies and Medications
For some people, a heat rash or allergy symptoms happen due to certain medications. The sun exposure can lead to symptoms in people who take someantibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anddiureticsused to treat heart conditions.
How to Treat Heat Rash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDarren415 / Getty Images
Darren415 / Getty Images
A bonfire or barbecue can be part of the recipe for a perfect beach day. However, unless you know the exact species of wood you are gathering, you may end up exposing yourself to things likepoison oak, poison ivy, or sumac.
These plants contain allergy-causing chemicals calledurushiolswhen you touch them. But burning the plants also releases urushiols into the air, which can cause itchy blisters even if you don’t touch them.
Theitching and rashof contact exposure can be treated with cold compresses, topical lotions like calamine, and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). You also can try aloe or other home remedies.
Tree pollen allergies are common, too, and respiratory symptoms can occur after exposure or handling of birch or other woods.Consider calling 911 if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, a swollen airway, or an altered mental status after exposure to the allergens or the smoke.
Can You Be Allergic to Barbecue Smoke?
Allergies From Swimming
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Because you usually don’t know what microorganisms live in lakes or oceans, swimmer’s itch and seabather’s eruption can be hard to avoid. Rinsing off immediately after swimming can help reduce the risk. Calamine lotion or topical1% hydrocortisone creammay help relieve the itching and swelling if you develop a rash.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWasp sting.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Most insects are simply annoying, but some (likeyellow jacketsorbees) can be dangerous to those with a history of severe allergies. For these people, getting stung can lead to anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxiscan come on rapidly after an insect sting. In addition to shortness of breath, facial and airway swelling, and an altered mental status, you may experience:
Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical care including the use of an epinephrine auto-injector. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead toshock, coma, suffocation,cardiac arrest, and death.
How Anaphylaxis Is Treated
Beach sand is a habitat for sand fleas, which typically cause itching and inflammation but it can also lead to an infection with black dots in the center of raised bumps, calledtungiasis.In more severe cases, typically in developing countries, a tungiasis infection can cause gangrene, chronic pain, and permanent damage to the feet.
Fleas and sand flies (a different insect that can causeleishmaniasis) aren’t the only possible cause of allergy or inflammation at the beach, though.Studies from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Israel are among those detailing how bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can thrive in beach sand.
Infections can includeCandida auris,a treatment-resistant and potentially lethal fungal strain, andAspergillus,Penicillium,and other molds that can lead to respiratory allergy symptoms.They are typically treated with antifungal drugs and allergy medications to relieve symptoms.
How to Treat and Treat Itchy, Painful Sand Flea Bites
Summary
A day at the beach is something that everyone should enjoy. For some people, however, exposure to the beach environment can cause an allergic reaction.
This includes exposure to the sun (solar urticaria, cholinergic urticaria), water (swimmer’s itch, seabather’s eruption), and barbecue smoke (which can disperse allergy triggers into the air). Insect stings, sand, and sunscreen can also cause allergies.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTo help reduce your risk:Don’t swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is known to be a problem or where signs are posted with warnings.Don’t feed birds around areas where people swim.Rinse off immediately after swimming and dry off completely.Avoid swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails can be found.Try using an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, bathing in Epsom salts, or using an anti-itch lotion. If the itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger lotion or cream, or an antibiotic if you have an infection.Remove your swim clothes, gently pat your skin dry, and dress in clean clothes. To help relieve the rash, try using 1% hydrocortisone cream or topical calamine lotion. You can also use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) for any discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help reduce your risk:Don’t swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is known to be a problem or where signs are posted with warnings.Don’t feed birds around areas where people swim.Rinse off immediately after swimming and dry off completely.Avoid swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails can be found.
To help reduce your risk:
Try using an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, bathing in Epsom salts, or using an anti-itch lotion. If the itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger lotion or cream, or an antibiotic if you have an infection.
Remove your swim clothes, gently pat your skin dry, and dress in clean clothes. To help relieve the rash, try using 1% hydrocortisone cream or topical calamine lotion. You can also use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) for any discomfort.
Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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