Cologne Allergies: When Fragrance Becomes A Health Hazard

Fragrances like cologne can trigger allergies in some people. While perfumes and colognes smell nice, they contain chemicals that some people's immune systems react to. Symptoms of a cologne allergy can include a skin rash, redness, itchiness, blistering, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and in some rare cases, severe symptoms like swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, and anaphylaxis. If you think you have a cologne allergy, it's important to see a doctor for advice and treatment, and to avoid the substance causing your allergy.

Symptoms of a cologne allergy

• Itching, even where there is no rash or irritation
• Itching around the eyes and throat
• Dry, scaly skin
• Blisters that ooze pus
• Red, patchy skin
• A burning sensation on the skin with no visible irritation or sores
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Mild symptoms of a cologne sensitivity can include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip

More severe symptoms of a cologne allergy that require immediate medical attention can include:

• Swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, which can cause difficulty breathing, eating, or talking
• Anaphylaxis, which occurs when the airways become inflamed and close up, making it difficult or impossible to breathe

Treatments for a cologne allergy

It is possible to be allergic to cologne, and it's quite common. A perfume or cologne allergy happens when someone has an allergic reaction to a perfume or cologne that contains an allergen. The average perfume or cologne contains about 2,500 chemicals, many of which are unlisted, that can trigger an allergic reaction.

The best treatment for a cologne allergy is avoidance. However, it is not always possible to avoid fragrances, especially if you live or work with people who wear cologne. Here are some ways to treat a cologne allergy:

• Over-the-counter allergy medication can treat headaches and allergic rhinitis.
• Inhaled corticosteroids can be prescribed by your doctor or allergist for severe breathing problems.
• Topical corticosteroid creams can be applied to itchy areas or rashes.
• Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help with itching and stuffiness. These can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths can help soothe itching and inflammation.
• Gentle moisturising lotion or cream without artificial ingredients or chemicals can help repair the skin.
• Light therapy can help eliminate any bacteria irritating the skin or reduce the immune system response.

If you believe you have a cologne allergy, an allergist can perform an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis.

How to identify a cologne allergy

It is possible to be allergic to cologne. A perfume or fragrance allergy occurs when someone has an allergic reaction to a perfume or cologne that contains an allergen.

Identifying a cologne allergy can be tricky as doctors cannot test for a reaction to a fragrance. However, there are ways to deduce whether you have an allergy or a sensitivity.

• Pay attention to your symptoms: If you experience any of the following symptoms after exposure to cologne, you may have an allergy: itching, especially around the eyes and throat, skin that is scaly or dry, blisters, patchy red skin, a burning sensation on the skin, increased sensitivity to sunlight, swollen mouth, lips or tongue, and anaphylaxis.
• Determine whether it is an allergy or sensitivity: A true perfume allergy happens when an organic protein in a perfume ingredient causes the reaction. Most reactions are simply perfume sensitivities, which are caused by synthetic or chemical irritants.
• Get an allergy test: An allergist can perform an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis. A perfume allergy patch test can identify your allergy to a specific substance.
• Identify the allergen: Common ingredients found in perfumes or fragrances that can cause a reaction are citronella, oak moss, balsam of Peru, and synthetic components.

What causes a cologne allergy

A cologne allergy is caused by an allergic reaction to an ingredient or chemical in the cologne. This occurs when the body identifies an ingredient in the cologne as a foreign substance and releases an inflammatory reaction to fight it off, similar to fighting off a bacterial or viral invader.

There are over 2,500 chemicals in the average cologne, and companies are not required to disclose the ingredients used, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of an allergy. However, true perfume allergies are caused by organic proteins in the ingredients, whereas sensitivities are more common and are caused by synthetic or chemical irritants.

Symptoms of a cologne allergy can include itching, rashes, blisters, burning sensations, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and more severe symptoms such as swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, and anaphylaxis.

If you suspect you have a cologne allergy, it is important to identify the specific scent that triggers your symptoms and limit your exposure to it. You can also try unscented or fragrance-free products, although these may still contain chemicals that trigger a reaction. Seeking medical advice is also recommended, as treatments are available for mild and severe symptoms.

Preventing and treating cologne allergies

Cologne allergies are surprisingly common, with a 2009 survey finding that up to 30% of the US population experienced discomfort from perfume. While it may be impossible to entirely eliminate fragrances that trigger allergies, there are steps you can take to prevent and treat cologne allergies.

Prevention

To prevent cologne allergies, it is important to first identify the specific fragrances that trigger your allergies. This may require some detective work, as doctors cannot test for a reaction to a fragrance. Keep a mental or written log of the times when your allergy symptoms flare up, noting any strong smells that may have been present. Once you have identified the trigger, limit your contact with it and see if your symptoms improve.

• Buy unscented or fragrance-free products. Even products with a "natural fragrance" may contain chemicals that trigger a reaction.
• Avoid products that list "fragrance" on the label, as this can indicate the presence of chemical compounds that may cause allergies.
• Ask people around you, especially those in your workplace, not to wear strong colognes or perfumes.
• Use natural cleaners, such as those made with baking soda or white vinegar, to avoid strong scents.

Treatment

The treatment for a cologne allergy depends on its severity. Mild, temporary symptoms can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin). Topical corticosteroid creams, colloidal oatmeal baths, and gentle moisturizing lotions or creams can also help to soothe itching and inflammation.

For more severe symptoms, such as swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, or anaphylaxis, immediate medical attention may be required. Corticosteroid injections or inhaled corticosteroids may be necessary to reduce swelling or open up inflamed airways.

If you believe you have a cologne allergy, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for testing and to develop a treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions