Seamus Hammond
Scents from perfumes can cause respiratory issues for some people, especially those with lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. Fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. For those with fragrance sensitivity, symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes can develop within minutes of exposure to scents like perfumes. In addition, scented products can contain toxic chemicals that can cause allergic skin reactions, and even products labelled unscented or fragrance-free may still contain fragrances. While it can be challenging to identify the specific allergens in perfumes, fragrance allergies are a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances. Perfume allergies can cause severe symptoms such as swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, requiring immediate medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfumes can cause | Fragrance sensitivity, Fragrance allergy, Asthma, Allergic reactions, Anaphylaxis |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, itchy skin, rashes, mild headaches, swelling in mouth, lips or tongue, inflamed and closed airways |
| Treatment | Oral antihistamines like cetirizine, diphenhydramine or loratadine, Topical corticosteroid creams, Allergy medications, Preventer medication, Inhalers |
| Prevention | Avoiding offending fragrances, Using unscented products, Asking others to not use strong fragrances, Posting "Scent-free building" signs, Implementing scent-free policies |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity
The symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can vary from person to person and include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms typically develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the length of exposure and the strength of the scent. In some cases, prolonged exposure to fragrances or direct skin contact with certain substances can lead to more severe symptoms such as contact irritant dermatitis, characterised by skin redness, irritation, and a prickly rash.
The specific fragrances that trigger sensitivity differ from person to person. Some common culprits include perfumes, colognes, soaps, lotions, air fresheners, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. It is important to note that even products labelled "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may still contain fragrances used to mask offensive odours, making it challenging to identify and eliminate the offending allergens.
The best way to manage fragrance sensitivity is to avoid offending fragrances. This can be achieved by choosing unscented or fragrance-free products, using natural ventilation instead of air fresheners, and speaking up about your sensitivities to friends, family, and colleagues. In cases where exposure is unavoidable or symptoms are persistent, over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants can help manage symptoms. Additionally, if fragrance sensitivity triggers asthma or allergy symptoms, taking the appropriate asthma or allergy medications is crucial.
The impact of fragrance sensitivity can extend beyond physical reactions, with some individuals reporting psychological effects and lifestyle changes. For example, some people avoid certain places or situations where they know fragrances will be present, impacting their social life and work. While scent-free or scent-reduction policies have been implemented in some workplaces and institutions, the science supporting these policies is still evolving, and there is currently no reliable diagnostic test for fragrance allergies.
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Asthma and allergies
Strong odors from perfumes can trigger asthma symptoms and allergies. For some people, strong scents from perfumes, household or industrial cleaners, air fresheners, and nail polishes and removers can trigger asthma symptoms. Many fragrances are commonplace, and we encounter them almost daily. However, the more we can identify asthma triggers, the easier they are to manage. Be sure to take note of the problematic odors and inform your doctor if you experience worsening asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing.
Perfumes are triggering asthma symptoms because they are commonly made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. These chemicals constantly turn into vapors in the air and attach themselves to hair, clothing, and surroundings. One commonly used chemical is diethyl phthalate, which is used to make scents last longer. It can cause allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) and is classified as a skin sensitizer and reproductive toxin.
Perfumes can also cause fragrance allergies, a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. This type of allergy generally causes symptoms on the skin that can be treated with medication. An allergist can confirm the diagnosis. Up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials.
If you have asthma or allergies, it is best to avoid harmful fragrances. This can be challenging, especially in the workplace or when visiting friends. In such cases, it is essential to communicate your concerns to friends, family, and colleagues about your sensitivities. They may be unaware that the perfumes or fragrances they are accustomed to are overly strong and affecting others. You can also request scent-free policies at your workplace, school, or place of worship.
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Toxic chemicals in perfume
Perfumes and colognes are widely used cosmetic products. However, their use can have side effects on consumers. Many aromatic products contain tens of compounds, many of which have toxic effects on humans.
One study identified more than 150 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) distributed from 37 aromatic consumer products in the United States, 42 of which were classified as toxic or hazardous. Examples of VOCs found in aromatic products include ethanol, alpha pinene, acetone, limonene, beta pinene, and acetaldehyde.
In 2011, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) published a list of 2,339 possible fragrance materials used by its affiliated members. The list included chemicals listed as carcinogens by California's Prop 65 Program and the National Toxicology Program (NTP), such as pyridine, benzophenone, methyleugenol, and styrene.
Other toxic chemicals found in perfumes include methyl paraben (MP), butyl paraben (BP), ethyl paraben (EP), and propyl paraben (PP), which are used as fungicides, bactericides, and preservatives. Diethyl phthalate is another chemical used to make perfumes last longer. It is listed as a toxic and priority pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act and can cause allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis).
The presence of these toxic chemicals in perfumes can lead to fragrance sensitivity or allergies, causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. These symptoms can be aggravated by repeated exposure to the irritant and can be particularly problematic in workplaces or social settings where scented products are commonly used.
To manage fragrance sensitivity and allergies, it is recommended to avoid offending fragrances, opt for unscented products, and advocate for scent-free or scent-reduced policies in shared spaces.
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Perfume allergy symptoms
While fragrance sensitivity is different from a fragrance allergy, both can cause unpleasant symptoms. Fragrance sensitivity can happen to anyone, but is more likely if you have asthma or allergies.
A fragrance allergy is a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. Allergens are technically proteins that the body reacts to with an inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms. A true perfume allergy happens when an organic protein in a perfume ingredient causes the reaction. However, the majority of reactions people experience are simply perfume sensitivities.
If you are experiencing perfume allergy symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice and work with your doctor to identify the specific triggers. Treatment options may include allergy medications, creams, and nasal sprays, as well as avoiding the offending fragrances.
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Preventing perfume allergies
Firstly, understanding the difference between a perfume allergy and sensitivity is essential. A perfume allergy involves an abnormal immune response, whereas sensitivity represents a broader range of reactions that are not necessarily immune-related. Allergies typically manifest as allergic contact dermatitis, with symptoms such as a rash, itching, redness, and swelling of the skin. On the other hand, sensitivity may lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
To prevent perfume allergies, it is crucial to minimise exposure to fragrances. This can be achieved by adopting a fragrance-free lifestyle, using unscented or natural, plant-based products, and avoiding perfumed areas. Checking labels before purchasing cosmetic or personal care products is essential, although it can be challenging because manufacturers are not required to disclose all the chemicals used in their perfumes. Be cautious of products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free," as they may still contain masking fragrances to cover up offensive odours.
Educating others about your condition is an important aspect of prevention, especially in the workplace, where exposure to fragrances is common. Informing colleagues, superiors, friends, and family members about your sensitivity can encourage them to accommodate your needs, such as by refraining from wearing strong fragrances or using scented cleaning products. Additionally, advocating for scent-free or scent-reduced policies in public spaces can help minimise fragrance exposure.
In some cases, determining specific fragrance ingredients that trigger allergic reactions can be challenging. An allergist can perform patch tests or skin allergy tests to identify your particular allergic triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can take proactive steps to avoid those substances and choose perfumes that do not contain them.
Remember, while managing a perfume allergy can be inconvenient, implementing these strategies can enable you to lead a full and active life.
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