Katrina Rosales
Strong scents, such as perfumes, can trigger migraines in some people. According to a 2017 study, perfumes with floral scents are common migraine triggers. Perfume and other strong scents may trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals, with children and pregnant women being more sensitive to smells. In addition, certain perfume ingredients may act as allergens, triggering immune system responses and migraines. However, the exact mechanism by which scents trigger migraines is still unknown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the general population affected by migraines triggered by fragranced products | 12.6% |
| Most common trigger among the affected population | Perfume |
| Other common triggers | Cleaning products, cigarette smoke, motor vehicle exhaust |
| Perfumes with floral scents | Common migraine trigger |
| Other common triggers | Laundry detergents, coffee, tobacco, mint |
| Perfumes in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces | Can combine with other airborne chemicals to create a "chemical soup" |
| Symptoms | Nasal congestion, watery eyes, nausea |
| Other factors | Personality characteristics, negative association with the scent |
| Recommended fragrances | Citrus, herbal, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, natural perfumes |
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What You'll Learn
Floral scents are common triggers
Strong perfumes and fragrances can trigger migraine episodes in some individuals. Floral scents, in particular, are common triggers. A 2017 study found that perfumes with floral fragrances were a common trigger for migraines. Another study of 200 migraine patients found that 75.7% experienced odor-triggered headaches, with perfumes being the most common trigger.
Floral fragrances, along with laundry detergents, coffee, tobacco, and mint, are common triggers. However, it is challenging to determine which perfumes will cause headaches because scent perception is subjective and influenced by experiences, memories, and culture. Some people may have a learned aversion to particular notes or ingredients due to negative associations with a particular smell.
Additionally, some individuals may have a heightened sensitivity to fragrances, and research suggests that osmophobia, or a fear/aversion to smell, is common among people with migraines. People with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can also be highly reactive to even small amounts of synthetic or natural fragrances, increasing the likelihood of headaches from perfumes.
To prevent migraine episodes triggered by perfumes, individuals can opt for unscented or hypoallergenic personal care products or choose light, natural fragrances like citrus or herbal scents, which are less likely to cause headaches. Solid perfumes, which are wax-based, are also an option as they release scent more slowly, reducing the risk of headaches.
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Fragrance sensitivity in children
Fragrance sensitivity is a reaction to ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. It can cause irritation to the airways, eyes, and skin. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, dizziness, and skin redness. Fragrance sensitivity can happen to anyone, but is more likely if you have asthma or allergies.
In children, fragrance mix allergy doubled in frequency between 1985 and 1997 in those aged 0-18. Patch testing with fragrance allergens is safe to do on children, and can be carried out at the same concentration as for adults. However, little is known about contact allergies to fragrances in children, and it is considered an under-recognized issue.
Perfumes and other strong odors may trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals, with floral scents being a common trigger. A 2016 study found that 90.2% of participants experienced migraines triggered by odors, with perfume being the most common trigger.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from fragrance sensitivity, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional, who can recommend appropriate treatment.
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Perfume's effect on the central nervous system
Perfumes and fragrances are known to have an impact on human psychophysiological activity and can affect the central nervous system. The sense of smell plays a crucial role in providing sensory information and can evoke emotions and memories.
Perfumes are made up of dozens of compounds or synthetic volatile chemicals that create a distinct odour. These chemicals can irritate the sinuses and cause allergy-like symptoms. In addition, fragrances can enter the body through the skin and upper airway, permeating the olfactory system, lungs, and limbic section of the brain.
The emotional and behavioural alterations caused by fragrance inhalation have been studied using various methods, including electroencephalography (EEG), which is considered the best measure of responses in the central nervous system. EEG studies have shown that fragrances can alter spontaneous brain activities and cognitive functions.
Furthermore, fragrances can impact the brain by affecting neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine and serotonin. For example, the scent of vanilla has been linked to increased dopamine levels, associated with pleasure and reward. Fragrances can also cause neurological changes, affecting blood pressure, pulse, and mood.
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, perfumes and strong odours are known to trigger headaches and migraine episodes in some individuals. According to a 2017 study, floral-scented perfumes are common triggers for migraines. The American Headache Society recognises osmophobia, an aversion or psychological hypersensitivity to smell, as a trigger and exacerbating factor for migraines.
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How to avoid perfume-related migraines
While there is limited research on perfume-triggered migraines in children, perfumes and strong odors are known to trigger headaches and migraine attacks in some individuals. Here are some ways to avoid perfume-related migraines:
Understand your triggers
It is important to identify your specific triggers to effectively avoid them. Some people are sensitive to certain types of fragrances or odors, such as floral scents or strong, pungent perfumes. Keep a headache diary to help identify patterns and triggers.
Avoid exposure
Once you know your triggers, actively avoid exposure to them. Stay away from places or situations where you know strong perfumes or fragrances will be present. This may include crowded public spaces, perfume stores, or social gatherings where people are likely to wear strong perfumes.
Choose fragrance-free products
Opt for fragrance-free personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. These products often contain strong chemicals that can trigger migraines. Look for labels that indicate "unscented" or "fragrance-free."
Improve ventilation
When possible, increase ventilation in your home or workspace to reduce the concentration of odors and perfumes. Open windows, use exhaust fans, or invest in air purifiers to help remove airborne irritants and improve air quality.
Seek medical advice
If perfume-related migraines are interfering with your daily life, consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can help identify potential triggers and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive measures. They may suggest certain medications or therapies to help manage your migraines.
Remember, while you may not be able to avoid triggers completely, managing exposure and adopting preventive measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of perfume-related migraines.
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Other common migraine triggers
While the exact causes of migraines are not known, certain triggers have been identified. These triggers vary from person to person, and a trigger may not always lead to a migraine attack. However, some common triggers, other than perfume, include:
Stress
Stress is a significant trigger for almost 70% of people with migraines. Daily stress levels have been found to be significantly associated with migraine activity.
Food
There are many foods that are known to trigger migraine attacks. These include foods that contain histamine and MSG, chocolate, cheese, and other dairy products, artificial sweeteners (e.g. caffeine, aspartame), cured meats, and anything with a strong smell. In addition, not eating enough food or missing meals can also lead to migraine attacks.
Dehydration
About a third of people with migraines say that dehydration is a trigger. Even slight dehydration can lead to debilitating head pain.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can trigger migraine attacks. Interestingly, while cutting out caffeine can also trigger migraines, having caffeine during an attack can help alleviate symptoms for some people.
Weather
Weather-related triggers include storms, excessive heat, and changes in barometric pressure.
Other Odors
Other strong odors, such as cleaning products, cigarette smoke, motor vehicle exhaust, paints, gasoline, and bleach, can also trigger migraine attacks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfumes and other strong odors may trigger migraines in some children. Children and pregnant women often have heightened sensitivity to smells, increasing the likelihood of migraines from perfumes.
Symptoms of a perfume-induced migraine include nasal congestion, watery eyes, nausea, and, of course, migraine.
To prevent perfume-induced migraines, avoid wearing strong perfumes in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Fresh air can help dissipate strong scents. Opt for perfumes with subtle scents, such as those labeled ""light," "fresh," or "airy."
Some alternatives to perfumes that are less likely to trigger migraines include diluted essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or peppermint, and natural perfumes made from organic and plant-based ingredients.
