Fragrance And Eczema: What's The Connection?

Fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which can lead to eczema. Fragrances are added to a wide range of products, from perfumes and cosmetics to household items such as laundry detergent and air fresheners. People with eczema need to be cautious about what they put on their skin, as certain ingredients can trigger inflammation and flare-ups. Fragrances are often listed on product labels, but the specific chemicals used may not be disclosed, making it challenging for consumers with fragrance allergies to identify and avoid potential allergens.

Fragrance sensitivity affects 1-4% of the population

Fragrance sensitivity is a health condition characterised by adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. A 2019 study found that 32.2% of adults across the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden report fragrance sensitivity. Notably, fragrance sensitivity affects 1-4% of the general population, with higher rates among those with contact dermatitis (8-15%).

Fragranced consumer products include air fresheners, deodorizers, cleaning supplies, personal care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and scented candles, among others. These products often contain complex mixtures of dozens of compounds, many of which are derived from petrochemicals. The specific ingredients used in fragrances are usually not fully disclosed by manufacturers, making it challenging for consumers to identify potential allergens.

The adverse health effects associated with fragrance sensitivity can be significant. Commonly reported health problems include respiratory difficulties, mucosal symptoms, migraine headaches, skin rashes, and asthma attacks. In some cases, the severity of these health effects can be disabling. For example, 9.5% of the population across the four countries studied experienced disabling health effects due to fragrance sensitivity.

Fragrance sensitivity can also have societal impacts and economic consequences. For instance, individuals with fragrance sensitivity may experience restricted access to certain places, such as restrooms or businesses, due to the presence of fragranced products. Additionally, fragrance sensitivity can result in lost workdays or job loss for some individuals. The economic impact of lost workdays and job loss due to fragrance sensitivity is substantial, with personal estimated costs exceeding $146 billion across the four countries studied.

Given the prevalence and potential severity of fragrance sensitivity, it is important to raise awareness and consider measures to reduce exposure to fragranced products, especially in public spaces.

Fragrances are most likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis

Fragrances are one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema. Fragrance sensitivity is seen in 1-4% of the general population and 8-15% of people with contact dermatitis.

Fragrances are added to a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, personal care products, and household items. They are designed to produce a pleasant scent or disguise unpleasant odours. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The compounds in fragrances are typically made up of dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds, and it is challenging to identify the specific allergen causing the reaction.

The typical patient with allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrances is a middle-aged woman with dermatitis on her hands and face, although it can also affect other areas of the body. The risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis from fragrances depends on various factors, including the frequency of exposure, the integrity of the skin barrier, and the concentration of the chemical.

People with eczema, especially those with atopic eczema, are more susceptible to developing allergic contact dermatitis from fragrances due to their impaired skin barrier function. Fragrances can penetrate the skin more easily in individuals with eczema, leading to an immune response and an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with eczema or sensitive skin avoid products containing fragrances whenever possible and opt for fragrance-free alternatives.

Fragrances are found in many household products

Fragrances are added to products to make them smell pleasant or to disguise unpleasant odours. However, fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, with fragrance sensitivity affecting 1-4% of the general population and 8-15% of people with contact dermatitis.

The compounds in fragrances are typically made up of volatile chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. These chemicals can be synthetic or derived from plant or animal sources.

Due to the potential for fragrances to cause allergic reactions, it is recommended that people with sensitive skin or eczema avoid products containing fragrances whenever possible.

The global market for fragrances is substantial, with projected growth of over $43 billion expected by 2028. This demand has led to the development of various fragrance lines, including certified organic and naturally inspired synthetic aromas.

Fragrance allergy is common in children

Children with a weak skin barrier function or eczema should be given fragrance-free products to use, as fragrances are the most likely substance to trigger allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children. Fragrances can be found in many common household products, including baby products, liquid soaps, shampoos, aftershave, makeup, skincare products, perfume, and candles.

In a study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, children and adolescents under the age of 17 were tested for fragrance mix allergies as part of a patch test for 30 different substances. The results showed that fragrance mix and colophonium (found in adhesive dressings, leather shoes, lipstick, and musical instruments) were the most common allergens in the group aged six to ten years. In the group aged 11-17, fragrance mix and nickel sulphate (found in earrings, children's toys, clothing, and some electronic equipment) were the most common triggers of ACD. Overall, around 59% of the children had a positive patch test, a much higher rate than in the general population.

The risk of ACD depends on several factors, including how the allergen is presented, how frequently it is applied to the skin, whether the skin acts as a barrier, and the concentration of the chemical. Fragrances are often used to mask the unpleasant odours of other ingredients in products, and organic products may also contain fragrances, as some of these chemicals are derived from plants.

Manufacturers of fragrances and perfumes typically do not disclose the total composition of the fragrance for competitive reasons. Without knowing the exact composition, consumers cannot know if a product contains an allergen of concern.

Fragrance-free products are recommended for those with eczema

Fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction. They are the most likely substance to trigger allergic contact dermatitis in children. Fragrances are often made up of dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds, and it is difficult to know exactly what is in a fragranced product as manufacturers do not always disclose their full composition.

People with eczema have a weak skin barrier function, which means that potential allergens can more easily penetrate the skin. This can lead to inflammation and flare-ups. Fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in people with eczema. Therefore, it is recommended that people with eczema use fragrance-free products.

Fragrances are found in a wide range of products, including personal care products such as baby products, liquid soaps, shampoos, aftershave, makeup, skincare products, perfume, and candles, as well as household products like laundry detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, cleaning agents, and toilet paper. They are also added to flavours in food and drinks, lipsticks, lip balms, and toothpaste.

It can be challenging to identify and avoid all fragranced products, as manufacturers are not always required to list all ingredients, and ingredients can be changed without notice. However, choosing fragrance-free products can help people with eczema reduce their risk of allergic contact dermatitis.

It is important to note that products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may still contain fragrance components, sometimes called masking fragrances, which are used to cover up offensive odours in a product. These products may still contain allergens such as rose oil, vanilla, and sweet almond oil. Therefore, it is important for people with eczema to be mindful of the products they are using and choose fragrance-free options whenever possible.

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