Sunscreen allergy in Singapore

We report the epidemiology of sunscreen allergy over a period of 5 years at the National Skin Centre. A total of 61 patients with suspected allergy to sunscreen underwent patch or photopatch testing to our sunscreen series from 1992 to 1996. The results were retrospectively analysed and evaluated. Out of these 61 patients, 5 were found to have positive patch test reactions to sunscreens. 2 were photoallergic, and 3 were allergic to active ingredients in sunscreens. The main causative allergens were 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (Parsol MCX) and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (oxybenzone). We conclude that sunscreen contact allergy is uncommon in our practice.