Katrina Rosales
The use of perfume by healthcare workers in operating rooms and other medical settings is a controversial topic. While some healthcare workers argue that wearing perfume helps mask unpleasant odours and has a positive impact on their focus and mood, others argue that it can trigger allergies, migraines, and respiratory issues in patients. In addition, some patients have expressed discomfort with being enveloped by strong fragrances while recovering from illness or surgery. As a result, some hospitals have implemented policies prohibiting the use of perfume or strong scents by healthcare workers, while others leave it to the discretion of the individual, with recommendations to use fragrances conservatively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing perfume in an operating room | Not recommended |
| Reasons | May cause discomfort to patients with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues; may be perceived as unprofessional; may interfere with patient care |
| Alternatives | Using unscented products, applying perfume conservatively, considering the type of perfume and its projection |
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What You'll Learn
Patients' negative experiences with healthcare workers' perfumes
While some patients have expressed positive experiences with healthcare workers wearing perfumes, such as having something to chat about and bringing levity to the day, others have had negative experiences. Some patients with chronic illnesses have stated that they would walk out and never return to a healthcare facility if they could smell the perfume of a healthcare worker. They argue that perfume can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, induce vomiting or migraines, and make patients feel even sicker, especially those with asthma or nausea.
Some patients have shared their discomfort with the lingering smell of powerful perfumes worn by healthcare workers, which can be unpleasant, triggering, and overwhelming for patients with illnesses or sensitivities. In certain cases, patients have had to request that healthcare workers refrain from wearing perfumes due to their strong scents triggering migraines or respiratory issues.
There are also concerns about the potential for perfume to interfere with the sterile environment of a hospital, which is meant to be welcoming and homey. Some patients have expressed their preference for fragrance-free healthcare facilities, especially in allergy and pulmonary areas, to accommodate patients with respiratory issues.
While some healthcare workers choose not to wear perfume at work out of consideration for their patients' potential sensitivities, others apply perfume conservatively or avoid applying it to areas that come into close contact with patients, such as the wrists, forearms, neck, or chest. Ultimately, the decision to wear perfume in a healthcare setting should consider the potential impact on patients' experiences and health, prioritizing their comfort and safety.
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Healthcare workers' positive experiences with wearing perfume
While opinions vary on whether healthcare workers should wear perfume, some healthcare workers have shared positive experiences with wearing perfume in healthcare settings.
One nurse shared that they wear perfume every day to work, taking care to avoid applying it to their wrists, forearms, neck, or chest, as these areas are often near patients' faces. Instead, they spray once at C7 and once at L4. They have never received any complaints from patients or colleagues. Another healthcare worker shared that they wear perfume to mask the strong smell of smoke, which patients prefer to the smell of cigarettes.
Some healthcare workers also wear perfume to mask the unpleasant odours that can be present in healthcare settings. One nurse shared that they would rather smell perfume than the strong odours that can come from patients, such as urine. Similarly, another healthcare worker expressed that they have encountered horrendous smells from patients, and a spray of perfume could help alleviate these odours.
In some cultures, nurses who do not wear a light and subtle scent are considered an insult to their patients. In these settings, a perfume-prohibited hospital would be interpreted as a stinky hospital.
Overall, while there are differing opinions on the topic, some healthcare workers have shared positive experiences with wearing perfume in healthcare settings, including masking unpleasant odours and improving the patient experience.
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Patients' allergies and respiratory issues
Patients with allergies and respiratory issues are at risk of anaphylaxis in the operating room. Antibiotics are a leading cause of perioperative anaphylaxis, with beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins being the primary causes. It is estimated that 2% of the surgical population is allergic to penicillins, and penicillin-related anaphylaxis occurs in 0.01% of patients. Other common allergens include fruits and nuts, such as kiwi, mango, passion fruit, avocado, strawberry, and chestnut. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity are also at increased risk for latex allergy, and anaphylactic events triggered by latex are more common in certain types of surgical procedures such as gynecological, abdominal, and orthopedic surgeries.
In addition to drug-induced allergies, patients may also have allergies to cleaning products used in the operating room, such as chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is found in many cleaning products and can be inadvertently exposed to patients during surgery. To manage this risk, healthcare professionals may use "chlorhexidine-free boxes" that contain alternative products, or they may post a bedside notice warning of the patient's allergy and detailing which alternative products can be used.
The risk of anaphylaxis in the operating room can be managed through a variety of methods. One approach is to perform a test dose of the drug to assess the patient's reaction, although this may not be effective in all patients and can cause unintended harms such as delays in antibiotic administration. Another approach is to withhold the allergen altogether and treat the patient with alternative drugs. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of a patient's allergies and to take steps to avoid exposure to known allergens.
While the focus of this discussion is on patient allergies, it is worth noting that strong scents, such as perfumes, can also be problematic in the operating room. Some patients may have respiratory issues or allergies that are triggered by strong scents, leading to nausea, migraines, or exacerbation of asthma. Healthcare professionals should be mindful of this and avoid wearing strong perfumes or scents that could negatively impact their patients. However, there are also arguments in favor of allowing healthcare workers to wear perfume, as they may be exposed to horrendous smells from patients, and a spray of perfume could help alleviate the odor.
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Hospitals' and trusts' policies on wearing perfume
While I cannot find specific policies for hospitals and trusts regarding wearing perfume, there is evidence that some hospitals discourage the use of strong-smelling perfumes and aftershaves. There are also accounts of hospitals that ban healthcare workers from wearing perfume.
There is a range of opinions on whether healthcare workers should wear perfume. Some people argue that they should be allowed to wear perfume to alleviate the smell of some patients. Others argue that perfumes can be overpowering and unpleasant, and may even trigger allergies or asthma attacks. Some people with asthma report that their disease is made worse by exposure to artificial scents, and there is evidence that asthma can be primarily aggravated by artificial scents.
In addition, federal and provincial human rights acts require accommodation for employees who are sensitive to scents in the workplace, but this does not extend to patients in hospitals or clinics. However, some workers have successfully sued companies to change workplace policies regarding scents.
Some hospitals promote scent-free environments, but this is not a policy in all hospitals and is not required in hospital accreditation standards. There are also concerns about the adverse effects of asthma on health and productivity in hospitals, and the argument that hospital environments free from artificial scents should become a uniform policy to promote the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
Overall, while there may not be specific policies banning the use of perfume in hospitals, it is generally recommended that healthcare workers avoid wearing strong-smelling perfumes and aftershaves out of consideration for patients and colleagues who may have scent sensitivities or allergies.
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Alternatives to wearing perfume
While some people believe that healthcare workers should be allowed to wear perfume to mask the unpleasant odours they encounter, others argue that strong scents can trigger allergies, migraines, and respiratory issues in patients.
If you work in an operating room and wish to wear a scent without causing harm to patients, here are some alternatives to wearing perfume:
- Scented lockets – Small lockets with a patch of cloth inside can be soaked with your favourite perfume and carried around your neck or wrist. This way, you can enjoy the fragrance without it being too overpowering or offensive to others.
- Solid perfumes – Solid perfumes are more concentrated and can be applied more sparingly than sprays. However, some people find them too strong, so use them sparingly and avoid applying them near your wrists, forearms, neck, or chest if you work closely with patients.
- Hair mists – Fragranced hair mists, such as the Miss Dior hair mist, can be a good alternative as they usually fade after a few hours.
- Essential oils – A single drop of essential oil, such as rose oil, can provide a subtle fragrance. However, be cautious and avoid using them if you know that patients are sensitive to scents.
- Scented handkerchiefs – Applying perfume to a handkerchief or tissue and keeping it in your pocket can provide a subtle fragrance. However, be aware that the scent may linger on the fabric for an extended period.
- Scented textile bracelets – These bracelets are designed to be scented and can be worn as an alternative to applying perfume directly to the skin or clothes.
- Eau de colognes or body mists – Weaker concentrations, such as eau de colognes or body mists, offer more subtle and fleeting fragrances compared to stronger perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is recommended that you do not wear perfume in the operating room. This is to avoid triggering patients' asthma, migraines, or other health issues.
Many patients have expressed that strong perfumes can worsen their nausea, especially when they are ill. Additionally, some patients with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues may be negatively impacted by strong scents.
Some healthcare workers have suggested using essential oils to help them focus during their shift. However, it is important to be mindful of others and choose scents that are not too strong or overpowering.
If a healthcare worker's perfume is bothersome, it is reasonable to give feedback so that they are aware of the issue. It may be helpful to approach the topic with diplomacy and tact, and perhaps offer a small gift as a peace offering.
