Sunscreen is a product formulated to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, available in various forms such as lotions, creams, sticks, and aerosol sprays. Accidental ingestion of these products is a frequent concern, particularly among young children. While sunscreens are not intended for consumption, understanding the potential effects and proper response steps is necessary for safety. This information outlines what happens when sunscreen is swallowed and the necessary actions to take.
Common Sunscreen Ingredients and Ingestion Effects
Sunscreens contain two categories of active ingredients that determine their toxicity profile when ingested. Mineral sunscreens utilize physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are considered minimally toxic. These inorganic compounds are not readily absorbed through the digestive tract and typically pass through the system unchanged. Ingesting products containing these ingredients usually results in only minor gastrointestinal irritation.
Chemical sunscreens rely on organic compounds such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate, which absorb ultraviolet light. These compounds are responsible for the unpleasant, chemical taste and can cause greater stomach upset than their mineral counterparts. In rare cases, sunscreens formulated with older ingredients like salicylates, or those containing high levels of ethanol, can pose a more significant systemic risk, potentially causing effects similar to intoxication or aspirin overdose if a large quantity is consumed.
Inactive ingredients, including fragrances, oils, preservatives, and alcohols, also contribute to the irritating nature of the product upon ingestion. These components primarily cause local irritation to the mouth and throat. Although the overall toxicity of a small, accidental ingestion is usually low, the combination of ingredients can lead to uncomfortable physical reactions.
Immediate Physical Symptoms
The most common immediate symptoms following a small ingestion of sunscreen are mild and centered in the gastrointestinal tract. A person will often experience nausea and stomach upset due to the product’s poor taste and the irritating nature of the chemical compounds. This irritation frequently leads to vomiting and diarrhea as the body attempts to expel the foreign substance. These symptoms are self-limiting, meaning they resolve once the stomach clears the product.
Local irritation may also manifest as a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus immediately after swallowing. A more concerning event is the accidental aspiration of the product, which is particularly relevant with aerosol spray sunscreens. Inhaling the fine mist or tiny particles can irritate the respiratory system, potentially leading to coughing, wheezing, and lung inflammation known as chemical pneumonitis. This risk is heightened because the low-viscosity, oil-based components can easily travel deep into the lungs, sometimes causing delayed respiratory distress.
Necessary Steps Following Ingestion
The first step after an accidental ingestion is to remove any remaining product from the mouth by wiping it out with a soft cloth and rinsing the mouth thoroughly with water. If the person is conscious and cooperative, they should be given a few sips of water to drink. This helps wash the remaining residue down and minimize local irritation. The most important subsequent action is to immediately contact the national Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Calling Poison Control connects you to experts who can provide specific, free, and confidential guidance based on the exact product and amount consumed. When speaking to the specialist, be prepared to provide the specific name and brand of the sunscreen, the estimated amount swallowed, and the time of the ingestion. It is important to avoid inducing vomiting unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional, as this significantly increases the risk of aspirating the product into the lungs.
A person with no symptoms after a small taste may only require careful monitoring at home for a few hours. However, immediate emergency medical attention should be sought if the individual develops difficulty breathing, persistent and uncontrollable vomiting, lethargy, or signs of severe distress. Taking the sunscreen container to the emergency room or clinic can help medical staff quickly identify the specific ingredients involved.