Sunscreen

[JoeCrackers]

Hope it’s ok to ask here, DS 10 has some sensory issues and gets extremely distressed when I try to apply sunscreen

he screamed the place down yesterday when I was putting it on him and I hate seeing him so upset but I have to do it, he’s really fair skinned too so needs it at the first hint of sun.

have tried lotion, various sprays but he hates them all. Can anyone recommend something that he might find more tolerable?

Have you tried one of the roll on sun creams?

I was going to ask if he tolerates light or firm touch? Would it help to apply it himself?
More detailed advice on here.

https://www.sensoryhelpnow.org/pages/news-applying-sunscreen-to-sensory-kids-and-keeping-cool

Have you tried the mist sprays? You don't have to rub it in at all just spray and done.

We have a very similar issue here with my extremely fair skinned 5 year old, and you have my sympathy. Two things we have tried that sort-of worked were:

• Using a zinc coloured sunscreen on my son's face. He could "paint" it on himself and obviously you can buy silly colours. Obviously this is only for non-school days and is very child dependent, but it did get some coverage on his face!
• Using a really lightweight, non-oily sunscreen. It definitely feels lighter going on and soaks in quicker.

Neither strategy has completely solved this for us, unfortunately, but they've helped. I wish you every bit of luck, and please report back if you find a better solution!

He prefers a firm touch, don’t think he could handle doing it himself, I’ll maybe try the roll on . Ive tried the mist but he twists and squirms so much I’m not sure if I’m getting it on him or the wall behind him!!

After trying lots of options, we eventually found success with Ultrasun sports gel, which is more like an oil. It does stain whites a little though if you put it on after getting dressed/topping up.

This year the roll on has been tolerated so far.