My Brother In Law Used Sunscreen But Still Ended Up In The Emergency Room

Like thousands of other people, my brother in law went to the beach on July 4^th. He’s one of those guys that has really fair, sensitive skin and since I’ve known him he’s always been deliberate in his skin care routine. That day he put on a hat to cover his face. He sat under an umbrella most of the day. He stayed hydrated with water. And he put on sunblock. But, he still landed himself in the hospital with sun poisoning. So, how did this happen? How did a man who did everything right still end up in the emergency room? 

Sun poisoning is a severe sunburn that occurs when someone is exposed to the UV rays for a long time without protection. Symptoms can appear within a few hours and include skin inflammation, blisters, headache, nausea, dehydration, fever, dizziness, upset stomach and confusion. And boy was he confused. He was confused because like I said, he thought he did everything right.  

My brother in law spent roughly 5 hours at the beach. He spent his time reading, sitting in the chair, walking along the water, and enjoying a kid-free day with his wife. However, when he got home, that’s when things turned for the worse.  

Here were some of his symptoms. His skin began turning red, and it was blistering and bubbling. If you’ve ever had a sunburn, it wasn’t like that. It didn’t look like a normal sunburn. It looked like a lot of little bubbles protruding from his arms. Then began the chills. My brother in law was shivering and felt like he couldn’t get warm. Kind of ironic, right? By definition, the sun is supposed to warm you, but too much of it causes people to feel chilly.  

He’s a tough guy. He didn’t want to go to the emergency room. But he also has a familial history with skin cancer. His father was diagnosed with skin cancer just a few years ago. My brother in law didn’t want to risk it. 

At the emergency room he was given some IV fluids to help with the dehydration. He was released and the incredible pain from the sunburn eventually went away. So did the chills.  

Expired sunscreen caused my brother in law to go to the hospital. It was a brand of sunscreen they’ve aways used. And in the past he’s had no trouble with it whatsoever. But the sunscreen was a year old and when applied onto his body, it wasn’t “fresh” enough so the application on his body was streaky.  

Let this be a cautionary tale to those who apply expired sunscreen on themselves or their children. Don’t do it. Just go the store and get a new tube. Your body and wallet will thank you for it!  

I want to give you a list of the best sunscreen for kids. As a parent, my children’s well-being is a top priority, especially when it comes to protecting their delicate skin from the sun's harmful rays. Like many parents, I've experienced firsthand the challenges of finding the right sunscreen for my little one. My journey led me to discover the benefits of organic sunscreens over traditional ones that are filled with potentially harmful chemicals. 

Many sunscreens available today contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. These ingredients are known to penetrate the skin and can disrupt hormone balance, potentially causing long-term health issues. For children, whose skin is thinner and more sensitive than those of adults, these chemicals pose an even greater risk of irritation and adverse reactions.  

I vividly recall an incident where I applied Coppertone sunscreen to my child during his first birthday party. Shortly after, his skin broke out in red welts, causing concern among guests who mistook it for an allergic reaction to the crawfish we were serving. Literally, my son looked miserable. The redness turned out to be a severe reaction to the sunscreen. Poor baby! I quickly learned how harsh chemicals can affect sensitive skin. 

Organic sunscreens, on the other hand, offer a gentler alternative. They are typically formulated with natural mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays from the skin's surface without penetrating it. These minerals are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them ideal for children and those with sensitive skin. 

When selecting a sunscreen for your child, look for products labeled as "organic," "natural," or "mineral-based." Check the ingredients list to ensure it does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Opt for broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, and consider a water-resistant formula if your child will be swimming or sweating.  

Remember, every child's skin is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect sunscreen that works best for your little one. However, prioritizing organic options is a great step towards ensuring a safe and enjoyable time outdoors for your family. 

Badger sunscreen is made locally in NH. I heard about this company from someone that I follow on Instagram that I trust. I bought the product and I love the kids sunscreen. It's really smooth and almost feels like petroleum jelly. I also love that it's a New Hampshire Company!

https://www.badgerbalm.com/collections/mineral-sunscreen

Earth Mama is another great organic product. It's a VERY heavy white paste (because it's a mineral-based sunscreen) and sometimes has a difficult time coming out of the bottle. I find it a bit frustrating to work with, but it gets the job done.

https://www.pureformulas.com/product/baby-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-40-by-earth-mama/1000048835

Babyganics is another organic mineral sunscreen. It's very pasty like the Earth Mama one. But it protects your children's skin from the chemicals and the sun.

https://babyganics.com/products/mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50-6oz.html