skip to Main Content

Sunscreen

Low Risk

Also known as:

Babyganics® Banana Boat® Coppertone® Hawaiin Tropic® Neutrogena® sunblock Water Babies®

Possible Symptoms
  • Minor upset stomach
  • diarrhea
  • eye irritation
What to Do
  1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
  2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
  3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.
If Exposed to Eyes
  1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
  2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Additional Information

Note: If sunscreen has gotten into the eyes, call the Missouri Poison Center right away for help and specific instructions as to how to flush the eye.

Sunscreens are usually only ingested in small amounts since they do not taste good.  If swallowed, they can be irritating to the stomach and can result in vomiting or diarrhea.  Symptoms are usually mild and self-limited, meaning once the sunscreen is eliminated from the body, the symptoms will go away.

Sunscreens should be applied to all exposed areas of the body, including the lips (use a sunscreen specifically intended for use on lips).  Use on infants under six months of age should be done under the direction of a physician.  Read the directions before applying sunscreen and follow directions carefully.  Reapply frequently according to the instructions, especially following swimming or excessive sweating.  Check the expiration date on your sunscreen left over from last season.  In general, sunscreens are effective for 3 years but should not be used past the expiration date since it may no longer be effective.

Some people are sensitive to the different oils, fragrances, alcohols or dyes present in sunscreen, and experience burning, stinging or redness with the use of these products.  If irritation develops after skin application, wash it off thoroughly, and stop further use.

If you find your child has ingested sunscreen, do not panic.  Take the sunscreen away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink.  If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.  The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

Take The Missouri Poison Center With You

Emergencies don’t wait for you, so you shouldn’t have to wait to call for help. Get the Missouri Poison Center app with poison information and a link to the Poison Help Line. It is just a click away during the most stressful moments. Our registered nurses and pharmacists are here 24/7/365 days a year to help guide you through poison exposures and overdose emergencies.

Don’t wait. Download now.

Graphic illustration of the MPC app on an iPhone home screen
Cart
Call Now