MY daughters attended Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre for a summer playscheme parade around the town.

The day was sunny, the children played and a good time was had by all.

My youngest insisted on having her face painted in the style of a ladybird (red paint with black blobs) and continued to play with her friends for the rest of the day (some six hours with the face paint on).

Here I need to point out she has had her face painted on numerous occasions without any problem.

Early in the evening my wife gave both girls a bath and proceeded to wash off the paint.

It wasn't easy and she ended up using a cleansing lotion, as the soap wouldn't remove it all properly.

To our horror, her face was red hot, fierce-looking, as though she had burned herself.

The next day she woke up with swollen cheeks and looked as though she was suffering from snow blindness, or had been in a boxing ring for 12 rounds. Her eyes were like slits and she was in considerable discomfort.

Immediately, we took her to the doctor, who diagnosed she had had an allergic reaction.

Yes, I know an afternoon is a long time to have face paint on - no, I didn't know she would get this reaction.

I presumed face paints were completely safe without harmful contents. It is not my intention to cast blame, but to warn other parents about the above, and to take caution.

It came as a nasty shock to see our daughter in such a state. We hope others do not have to see their children like this.

It took four days to clear up.

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