Cologne And Eczema: A Triggersome Relationship

Fragrances are one of the most common causes of allergic reactions, with up to 30% of the US population experiencing some form of irritation from perfume. Fragrance sensitivity is seen in 1-4% of the general population and 8-15% of people with contact dermatitis. Perfumes and colognes are made of chemicals that can irritate the skin, causing redness, burning, rashes, itching, and flare-ups of eczema. While it can be challenging to completely avoid exposure to fragrances, there are ways to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and manage the symptoms.

• Itching around eyes and throat
• Skin that is scaly or dry
• Blisters that get crusty and ooze pus
• Patchy, reddish skin
• Burning sensation on skin with no visible irritation or sores
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight | | Common symptoms of a perfume sensitivity | - Sneezing
• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Nasal mucus dripping down the back of the throat | | Treatments for mild, temporary symptoms | - Medications (oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, or Claritin)
• Topical corticosteroid creams (hydrocortisone)
• Colloidal oatmeal bath
• Gentle moisturizing lotion or cream
• Light therapy |

Cologne can cause an allergic reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when your body has a specific immune system response to an ingredient or chemical in the cologne. This means your body identifies the ingredient as a foreign substance and releases an inflammatory reaction to fight it off. This response usually develops over several days and manifests as itchiness or a rash. These symptoms can last for weeks.

Perfume or fragrance allergies happen when you have an allergic reaction after being exposed to a cologne that contains an allergen. These allergies are caused in part by the 2,500 chemicals often found in perfumes or colognes. These chemicals are often unlisted due to laws around "trade secrets".

Symptoms of a Perfume Allergy

The most common symptoms of a perfume allergy include:

• Itching, even without a rash or irritation
• Itching around the eyes and throat
• Dry, scaly skin
• Blisters that crust over and ooze pus
• Patchy, red skin
• A burning sensation on the skin without visible irritation
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Treatment for a Cologne Allergy

The treatment for a cologne allergy depends on its severity. Options may include medications, topical ointments, and oatmeal baths. It is important to avoid the substance that caused the allergy and identify other products that may contain the same allergen.

Deodorants are a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis

A study of 17,716 people found that 10.1% had a fragrance allergy, with 42.1% of these caused by a cosmetic product. Deodorants accounted for 25% of these cases, with scented lotions making up 24.4%. Deodorants were significantly more likely to be the cause of fragrance allergies in men than in women.

The axilla (armpit) may be predisposed to allergic contact dermatitis, with factors such as differences in axillary skin phenotype and prolonged occlusion in the area potentially contributing to increased sensitivity to products applied to the armpit. The moist and occluded environment of the armpit, combined with the presence of hair follicles, can increase the penetration of allergens. Shaving can also increase penetration and the risk of allergic contact dermatitis.

A study of 14 fragrance-allergic patients found that 12 out of 20 deodorants (60%) caused eczema in the axillae, compared to only 20% causing eczema when applied to the upper arm. This is because a lower concentration of a fragrance allergen is needed in the axillae to provoke an allergic reaction, as less fragrance evaporates in non-occluded sites, and the concentration of the fragrance substance remains high for longer.

In addition to fragrances, other allergens found in deodorants include propylene glycol, a solvent with moisturising, antiseptic, and preservative properties, and essential oils, which are frequently used as fragrance ingredients and are known sensitisers.

To avoid allergic contact dermatitis caused by deodorants, individuals can opt for fragrance-free deodorants or natural, plant-based perfumes.

Cologne contains allergens and irritants

Cologne and other perfumes are made from volatile chemicals that evaporate at room temperature to create an odour. These are typically made up of dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds.

The specific ingredients used in fragrances are often not disclosed by manufacturers, who cite competitive reasons for their secrecy. However, we do know that colognes contain allergens and irritants that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Allergens

Allergens are organic proteins that cause an inflammatory response in the body, resulting in allergy symptoms. Fragrances are one of the most frequently cited substances causing allergic reactions, and they account for 30-45% of reactions to cosmetic products.

A 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity found that up to 30% of the population of the United States had irritation from a perfume. A more recent survey found that 19% of participants had actual health effects from fragrances.

Irritants

Irritants are substances that irritate the body but do not trigger a body-wide immune system response. Fragrances are full of synthetic or chemical irritants that the body finds irritating.

Common Irritants and Allergens in Cologne

Some of the most common fragrance irritants and allergens include:

• Cinnamic alcohol
• Cinnamic aldehyde
• Eugenol
• Isoeugenol (found in nutmeg oil or ylang ylang oil)
• Geraniol (found in many essential oils)
• Hydroxycitronellal
• Oakmoss
• Rose oil
• Vanilla
• Sweet almond oil

Other Sources of Fragrance Exposure

It is important to note that fragrances are found in almost every product we use daily. Some of the most common exposures to scented chemicals come from personal care products like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, as well as household cleaning products, topical pharmaceuticals, and workspace exposure.

Managing Fragrance Allergies and Sensitivities

If you have a fragrance allergy or sensitivity, there are several things you can do to reduce your exposure and improve your symptoms:

• Avoid common areas where people wearing perfume may walk by.
• Keep a small air purifier near your workspace to help keep your air free of airborne proteins that can trigger symptoms.
• Let people around you know about your allergies, so they can avoid wearing perfume around you.
• Choose natural, plant-based perfumes or make your own toxic-free perfume at home with natural ingredients.
• Choose fragrance-free products. Note that some products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may still contain fragrance components, so always check the labels.

People with eczema are prone to fragrance allergies

Fragrance sensitivity is seen in 1-4% of the general population and 8-15% of people with contact dermatitis. Fragrances are most likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis and account for 30-45% of reactions in cosmetic products.

Perfume or fragrance allergies occur when someone has an allergic reaction after being exposed to a perfume that contains an allergen. The symptoms of a perfume allergy can be caused by touching the perfume liquid or substance, getting sprayed by the perfume, or even inhaling it.

If you have eczema and are prone to fragrance allergies, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to fragrances. You can choose to use unscented or fragrance-free products, although it's important to note that these products may still contain fragrance components called masking fragrances, which are used to cover up offensive odours. You can also opt for natural, plant-based perfumes or choose perfumes with minimal ingredients to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction.

Additionally, if you have eczema, it's important to identify your triggers and avoid them to reduce the risk of flare-ups. This may include avoiding certain fabrics, skincare products, smoke, air pollutants, and harsh soaps.

If you experience a fragrance allergy, treatment options may include medications, topical ointments, and oatmeal baths. It's also important to avoid the substance causing the allergy and seek medical help if necessary.

Treatments for allergic reactions

A cologne allergy can cause eczema. Treatment for a cologne allergy depends on its severity. Here are some treatment options for mild to moderate symptoms of a cologne allergy:

Medications

Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help with itching and stuffiness. You can purchase these over-the-counter or get a prescription from your doctor.

Topical Corticosteroid Creams

Hydrocortisone or other similar steroid creams can be applied to itchy areas or rashes.

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Taking an oatmeal bath can help soothe itching and inflammation. You can also make an oatmeal compress by soaking oatmeal in cold water and wrapping it in a thin material like pantyhose.

Gentle Moisturizing Lotion or Cream

Use a lotion or cream that doesn't contain artificial ingredients or chemicals that might trigger another reaction.

Light Therapy

Try blue or red light therapy to help eliminate any bacteria irritating your skin or to reduce the immune system response on your skin to soothe and repair tissue.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, or anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently asked questions