Don't Get Burned by Your Sunscreen Allergy

The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of using sunscreen before stepping outdoors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. But what if you're allergic to sunscreen? Does that mean you have to forego summer pleasures or put yourself at risk of getting burned? Absolutely not. Instead, the experts recommend you narrow in on exactly what's causing the problem and look for safer options.

The scope of sunscreen allergies is really quite small, according to a study that was presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. The researchers exploring the problem of sunscreen allergies found that many participants who reported a reaction after they slathered on the lotion or oil may not have had a true allergy. In fact, only one percent of all skin allergies have their roots in a sunscreen allergy. In the rest of the cases, other factors are to blame.

The people who are at highest risk for a true sunscreen allergy include those who spend extended periods of time outdoors, either for work or sports, as well as people who suffer from eczema and have highly sensitive immune systems. Females also seem more prone to sunscreen allergies than males, and scientists speculate that the reason for the gender difference could be because women are exposed to more sun protection products in their face, in lotions, and cosmetics, which can make skin more reactive over time.

Whether you fall into the high risk group or not, if you experience the signs of a possible sunscreen allergy, such as red bumps, itching, and burning after applying sunscreen, you'll need to rule out other possible causes such as a combination of sweat, sun exposure, and sunscreen chemicals all coming together. Often it's the interaction of many factors that lead to a reaction.  You may also be reacting to the fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and other chemicals that sunscreens commonly contain. So pay attention to the ingredients in sunscreens and select fragrant-free or dye-free options to avoid problems.

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some sunscreens—such as those containing zinc or titanium called zinc oxide sunblock—work by physically blocking UV radiation, while others, such as chemical-based sun protectors, contains chemicals that combine with the UV rays and keep them from being absorbed in the skin. Therefore, it can be helpful to have your allergist perform skin tests to narrow in on the specific ingredient that's causing your reaction. (Often, the chemical that absorbs the rays can be the culprit, which means you may be able to tolerate the physical form of sunblock like zinc instead.)

In addition to finding a sunscreen that doesn't irritate your skin, there are other things you can do to minimize your sun exposure and risk:

Wear clothing, a hat, and sunglasses that all contain an ultraviolent blocker. Plan outdoor activities for before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun isn't as strong.Seek shade as much as possible. Keep in mind that certain medications, including acne treatments and antibiotics, can also make you more sensitive to the sun, so be extra vigilant if you take either one.

Sources:

Bassett, Clifford. "Are You Allergic to Sunscreen?" Fox News. FoxNews.com, May 30, 2008. Web. 7 June 2011.

Cardoso J, Canelas M, Gonçalo M, et al. "Photopatch Testing with an Extended Series of Photoallergens: A 5-Year Study." Contact Dermatitis, 2009: 60:325-9. Web. 7 June 2011.

Hobson, Katherine. "More Answers to Your Sunscreen Questions: Allergies, Peak Hours." Wall Street Journal Blogs. OnlineWSJ.com, July 7, 2010. Web. 7 June 2011.

"Sunscreens Remain Safe, Effective Form of Sun Protection." American Academy of Dermatology. AAD, 23 May 2011. Web. 7 June 2011.

"Sun Safety." Kids Health From Nemours. Kidshealth.org, Aug 2010. Web. 7 June 2011.

"True Photoallergy to Sunscreens Is Rare Despite Popular Belief." Dermatitis, 2010; 21(4):185-198.  Web. 10 June 2011.

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Why You Need to Love Yourself Before Loving Others

A satisfying relationship with a special someone doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for love, you may wonder why it's just not happening. You may find the process much easier if you learn to love yourself first, experts say.

"If you don't put yourself first, then you are denying your abilities to the world around you," says Carolyn Bates, a certified personal life coach, or ICF. "Putting yourself first will support your self-esteem."

Learning to love yourself is a bit like going through therapy, Bates says. If you don't know yourself--who you are and what you want--it can be difficult for you to make solid, sustainable decisions about another person with whom you want to be close.

Learning to put yourself and your needs first can be especially difficult for women, says Susan Shapiro Barash, author of Toxic Friends and You're Grounded...But First Let's Go Shopping. "There is so much pressure on women in our culture, and you're pegged as a type early on," she says. "It can be hard to really feel good about yourself."

If you're not sure how to actually go about loving yourself, keep in mind:

1. Admit that there's a problem, says Barash. If you recognize that you need to become more in touch with yourself before entering a relationship, it can help prevent setting yourself up for that relationship to self-destruct.

2. Think about what your relationship style is, Barash says. Are you a pleaser? Are you a commitment-phobe? Once you start recognizing the patterns of how you fall into a relationship that does not work out it will pave the way toward a successful, meaningful relationship.

3. Work toward a goal of feeling that you are complete and whole on your own, says Lauren Mackler, author of "Solemate: Master the Art of Aloneness & Transform Your Life." "This is much healthier than expecting another person to make you feel whole, she says. "Achieving self sufficiency on your own builds self-esteem and confidence." Once you feel complete on your own, you will be able to participate in a relationship out of conscious choice, rather than from neediness or from fear that you can't take care of yourself, Mackler says.

4. Gain confidence in your ability to thrive. To do so, get involved in activities to keep busy. "Go to a movie, visit friends," Barash says. "You'll realize that you can get through a weekend without being lonely."

5. Know your role. It's important to recognize that you are not responsible for another person's happiness, Mackler says. "Don't permit yourself to be trapped by feelings of responsibility for another person's security," she advises. "This can breed insecurity and resentment."

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How to Advocate for Your ADHD Child

If you have a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you are all too familiar with the inattention, impulsivity, and high-energy level symptomatic of the condition. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), approximately three to seven percent of school-age children in the United States have this disorder.

Fortunately many public schools have excellent resources and the ability to help your child succeed in spite of his unique challenges. However, you'll still need to advocate for your child since the diagnosis of ADHD alone does not qualify a student for special education services. Classroom allowances and other helpful learning adjustments will likely be required to improve your child's academic performance and you'll have to ask for them. Here, expert advice from the NASP and Larry Davis, education advocate and author of The New School of thought on IEP & 504 Plans: Love, Understanding and Other Best Practices.

The key to success is having mutual understanding. "Before you come up with interventions and strategies to fix it, parents, the student and the school's administrative team need to be on the same page about what makes Sally tick. Without consensus, progress will be limited."

Davis advises parents to go beyond the label of ADHD and look carefully at all the data. Use the clinical evidence and the school-based information to come up with the best plan for your child. "Lots of kids are diagnosed with disabilities they don't have," Davis admits. "What these kids have are inconvenient emotional and behavior issues that require understanding."

Another important component is the school's attitude. Be wary of one-way thinking, cautions the expert. "Some schools want to pigeon-hole children. They assume your ADHD child is like one they've previously dealt with. Wrong! When schools do this, they miss the target every time," says Davis. "ADHD has a million different manifestations and can mean 10 million different things."

Before you meet with the school team, realize that the school's agenda may not be yours. "These days there are budget constraints woes and lots of kids to help. Parents may expect that the school will do everything it can to help their child. The reality is that the school may want to help but can't due to lack of staff, money or other factors. And there's always the possibility of being discouraged by a school that believes your child just doesn't fit into their system."

In Davis' 25 years of experience, the solution isn't always an Individual Education Plan (IEP). "In a nurturing school environment, an accommodation plan--also know as a 504--may be sufficient," Davis explains. With a 504 plan, the general education teacher gives intentional tweaks or allowances to the ADHD student to help her perform better. Providing extra time (or no time limits) during a test, for example or testing in a quiet space to compensate for distractibility.

Behavior modification strategies can also be effective. Many schools have had success with a written behavior contract that spells out student responsibilities and rewards (privileges at school or home if responsibilities are met).

The NASP believes that behavior modification works best when combined with medication. Numerous studies have found that medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, or Wellbutrin enhance attention, reduce impulsive behavior, and increase academic productivity for the majority of children who are treated. Side effects are relatively benign and may include appetite reduction, insomnia, headaches, and stomachaches. Medication may be a recommended course of action for your child.

Negotiating your way through the public education maze and dealing with the plethora of information and decisions is an overwhelming experience for most parents. Several Web sites are devoted to the topic and have excellent online resources you can tap into.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Education Parent Centers provide parent training and assistance regarding all types of disabilities: physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional. Each state has at least one. Parent Centers offer a variety of services including one-on-one support, workshops, and publications. Many staff members are parents of children with disabilities and bring personal experience and empathy to the process. Go to http://www.taalliance.org/ptidirectory/index.asp to find a parent center near you.

The National Resource Center on ADHD, a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) also has information and resources. Learn more at www.helpforadhd.org and www.chadd.org.

Professional education advocate Davis recommends involving a neutral party. "It's not unusual for parents to experience strong emotions like anger, sorrow, and grief when going through this process," he says. "Don't do it alone. This isn't a situation where you can be confident everyone is working for your kid's best interest. A professional advocate will juggle all the balls and work to be sure the school is doing right by your child."

Ultimately Davis believes every ADHD child has unique gifts. "These kids can have incredible insights that can inspire teachers and fellow students alike," he says. "I don't see ADHD as a broken child thing. There's a place for people like this in our world and in our classrooms."

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Sources:
Interview with Larry Davis, special education advocacy expert
www.specialeducationadvocacy.org

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
www.chadd.org

National Resource Center on ADHD
http://www.help4adhd.org/

National Association of School Psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/principals/nassp_adhd.aspx

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