Heidi Norton
Fragrances like perfumes can cause fragrance sensitivity in some people, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Fragrance sensitivity occurs when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. While it is not a full-body immune response, it can be triggered by a wide variety of organic and artificial chemicals in scents. The effects can be immediate and severe, with a study finding that 35% of Americans experience health issues from scented products. In addition, some ingredients in perfumes are toxic and can be harmful, especially to children if ingested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance sensitivity | Irritation of the respiratory tract or mucous membranes of the eyes |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, dizziness, skin redness, irritation, prickly rash |
| Causes | Prolonged breathing exposure or direct skin exposure |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants; avoiding exposure to fragrances |
| Prevention | Letting others know about your sensitivities; using unscented products |
| Health effects | Fragrances can release dangerous air pollutants, some of which are carcinogenic |
| Fragrance ingredients | Fragrance manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients due to trade secrets; high amounts of ethanol commonly found in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves |
| Fragrance toxicity | A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that only 34% of stock ingredients in fragrances have been tested for toxicity |
| Chemical intolerance | Some people are unable to get used to smells, experiencing symptoms such as headaches and itchy noses |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity
Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation. These symptoms can develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can be triggered by a wide variety of organic and artificial chemicals found in perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, flowers, incense, and cigarette smoke. In some cases, fragrance sensitivity can also trigger an allergic response or an asthma attack.
The effects of fragrance sensitivity can be immediate and severe, with some people reporting that they avoid certain places or products to prevent exposure to fragrances that make them sick. It is important to speak up about your sensitivities and let friends, family, and colleagues know if their fragrances are affecting you. Avoiding offending fragrances is the best way to manage fragrance sensitivity, and this can be done by choosing unscented or fragrance-free products and opting for natural ventilation instead of air fresheners.
In cases where exposure is unavoidable or symptoms are persistent, over-the-counter medications can be used to treat symptoms, such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants. If fragrance sensitivity triggers asthma or allergy symptoms, it is important to take the appropriate medications to control these conditions. While there is currently no reliable diagnostic test for fragrance sensitivity, it is important to pay attention to your individual triggers and reactions to manage this condition effectively.
Overall, fragrance sensitivity is a common issue that can have a significant impact on people's health and daily lives. By raising awareness, accommodating sensitivities, and seeking appropriate treatments, individuals and communities can work together to create a more comfortable and inclusive environment for those with fragrance sensitivities.
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Perfume poisoning
While rare, it is possible to experience perfume poisoning, which occurs when someone swallows cologne, perfume, or aftershave. This can be by accident or on purpose.
If you or your child have ingested perfume, it is important to seek medical advice. In the US, you can call the Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) to speak to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions and this service is free and confidential. If you are in a different country, seek local emergency services. Do not make the person throw up unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional. If only a small amount has been consumed, you may be advised to give the person plenty of water and a light snack, and carefully watch for symptoms. In cases where a large amount has been ingested, the person may need to be kept in hospital overnight for observation.
In addition to ingestion, exposure to topical fragrances can also cause harm over time, triggering allergies and skin sensitivities. Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you switch to unscented products.
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Allergies and skin conditions
Fragrance sensitivity is when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. While the term is sometimes used synonymously with a fragrance allergy, a fragrance sensitivity doesn't involve a whole-body immune response. Instead, it suggests that some component of the fragrance is irritating to your airways and eyes. With a fragrance sensitivity, symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes can develop in response to scents like perfumes, flowers, incense, and cigarette smoke. Fragrance sensitivity can happen to anyone but is more likely if you have asthma or allergies.
Perfume or fragrance allergies happen when you have an allergic reaction after being exposed to a perfume that contains an allergen. A fragrance allergy typically occurs when certain fragrance components called allergens come into contact with the skin. This causes the immune system to react by making protective proteins called antibodies to defend against the allergens. This inflammatory response leads to allergy symptoms. In most cases, the reaction results in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that shows up on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. The rash isn’t contagious, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials. Treatment for allergic skin reactions includes antihistamines and topical steroid creams. A physician can also perform a skin patch test to definitively know if allergens in fragrances are causing a skin reaction.
It is difficult to avoid fragrance allergens because many products you use or regularly come into contact with contain substances that can trigger an allergy. For example, even if a personal care product is labelled "unscented" or "fragrance-free", it may still contain fragrance components, sometimes called masking fragrances, which cover up offensive odours that may naturally occur in a product.
If you have a fragrance allergy, it is important to let the people around you know, so they can know to avoid wearing perfume around you.
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Chemical intolerance
Fragrances and perfumes can cause respiratory issues and are a common cause of fragrance sensitivity. Fragrance sensitivity is when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes. In more severe cases, extended inhalation of a scent can lead to nausea and dizziness, and direct skin exposure can lead to contact irritant dermatitis, manifesting as skin redness, irritation, and a prickly rash.
MCS is diagnosed in Japan as chemical hypersensitivity or chemical intolerance, with the diagnostic criteria requiring one or more of four major symptoms: headaches, malaise and fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain, in addition to laboratory findings and/or minor symptoms such as mental effects or skin conditions. While MCS has been recognized by the WHO/ICPS as "a disease of unclear pathogenesis", there is no evidence that low-level chemical exposure causes an immune response, and research into the heritability of MCS has been inconclusive.
In summary, fragrances and perfumes can cause fragrance sensitivity, which may lead to respiratory issues and other symptoms. In more severe cases, fragrance sensitivity may be indicative of chemical intolerance or MCS, which are controversial diagnoses with ongoing research and debate surrounding their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Effects on children
The effects of perfume on children can vary, and while fragrances are generally considered safe for adults, they can pose risks for children, especially when it comes to accidental ingestion or skin contact.
Ingestion
The most significant risk associated with fragrance products and children is alcohol poisoning. Most fragrance products contain alcohol, typically ethanol, which can have serious effects on children. Ingestion of perfumes can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, inebriation, and dangerously low blood sugar levels in children. Low blood sugar can impact the brain's ability to function normally, leading to slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, or even seizures. In such cases, it is crucial to give the child a light snack to prevent further blood sugar drops and seek immediate guidance from Poison Control services.
Skin Contact
Fragrance products can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in children. Children's skin is more susceptible to irritation and allergies due to a thinner stratum corneum, allowing for greater penetration of irritants and allergens. Additionally, children's higher body surface-to-weight ratio results in greater absorption of substances applied to the skin. Skin reactions to perfumes can manifest as contact irritant dermatitis, characterised by skin redness, irritation, and prickly rashes. If a child experiences a skin reaction, it is recommended to wash the affected area with soap and water and discontinue the use of the product.
Inhalation
Inhaling fragrances can also trigger fragrance sensitivity in children, causing respiratory issues and irritation of the airways and eyes. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Fragrance sensitivity can develop from prolonged exposure to scents or direct exposure to certain substances in perfumes. While it may not trigger a whole-body immune response, it can irritate the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eyes.
Systemic Effects
Exposure to fragrances can potentially lead to systemic effects in children. Certain ingredients in perfumes, such as phthalates and synthetic polycyclic musks, have been linked to endocrine disruption and neurological consequences. Studies have found associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and behaviour disorders, including problems with emotional control, aggression, and depression in children aged 4-9. Additionally, there is growing concern about the presence of fragrance compounds in children's cosmetics, with potential health risks that are not yet fully understood.
To mitigate the risks associated with perfume exposure in children, it is essential to keep fragrance products out of their reach and avoid applying them in their presence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the smell of perfume can make you sick. Fragrance sensitivity occurs when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, and dizziness.
Prolonged exposure to perfume can lead to fragrance sensitivity, which can cause respiratory issues and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes. It can also trigger allergies and skin sensitivities, such as redness, irritation, and rashes.
Due to laws protecting fragrance manufacturers' trade secrets, many chemicals used in perfumes are not listed individually on the product packaging. This makes it difficult for consumers to identify potential allergens or toxins. However, some common toxic ingredients to look out for include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.
If you experience symptoms such as redness, itching, sinus irritation, or respiratory issues when exposed to certain fragrances, you may have a fragrance sensitivity. Fragrance sensitivity can develop within minutes of exposure to a scent.
If you have a fragrance sensitivity, it is important to let others know and avoid exposure to triggering scents. Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants, can help manage symptoms. Additionally, switching to unscented products and seeking fragrance-free environments can be beneficial.
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