Sunscreen is a cream or lotion used to protect the skin from the sun's rays. Sunscreen poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows sunscreen.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Older sunscreens used para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to protect skin from the sun's rays. However, many of today's suntan lotions are PABA-free. Sunscreens may contain any of the following ingredients:

• Cinnamates
• Padimate-O
• Salicylates (aspirin-like compounds)
• Zinc oxide

Note: This list may not include all ingredients.

• Some sunscreen lotions

Note: This list may not include all products containing sunscreen.

Sunscreens are generally considered nonpoisonous (nontoxic). Most symptoms are caused by mild allergic reactions and skin and eye irritation.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Eye irritation may occur after eye exposure
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Lungs
  • Shortness of breath (more common in allergic reactions)
  • Slowed respirations (in extremely high doses)
• Skin
  • Rash (allergic reaction)