Seamus Hammond
Perfume and other strong scents can trigger migraine episodes in some people, and it is thought that 12.6% of the general population experiences this. This phenomenon is known as osmophobia, which is defined as a fear, aversion, or psychological hypersensitivity to smell. While scientists are still unsure of the exact cause, it is believed that smells may directly interact with the trigeminal nerve, which is a sensory pathway that leads to the brain. If you experience perfume-induced migraines, it is recommended that you consult a doctor, who can help identify triggers and recommend treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seek medical advice | A doctor can help identify possible causes and triggers of migraines, and recommend appropriate treatment. |
| Avoidance | Avoidance of perfume and other strong odours may be the only way to prevent migraine episodes. |
| Fragrance sensitivity | Those with fragrance sensitivity may experience various health effects, including migraine episodes. |
| Osmophobia | Defined as a fear, aversion, or psychological hypersensitivity to smell, osmophobia is a common symptom of migraines. |
| Floral scents | Floral scents are particularly likely to trigger migraines. |
| Sillage | The strength of a perfume's sillage (the trail of fragrance it leaves) may be a factor in triggering migraines. |
| Synthetic compounds | Certain synthetic compounds in perfumes may be notorious headache instigators. |
| Allergies | Fragrance sensitivity and allergies can lead to a range of health issues, including migraines. |
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What You'll Learn
Seek medical advice to identify triggers and treatments
If you experience migraines triggered by perfume, seeking medical advice can be a crucial step in identifying triggers and effective treatments. Here are some reasons why and how to do it:
Identify triggers
Doctors can help identify perfume as a potential trigger and advise on avoidance strategies. They may recommend keeping a scent diary or using a migraine tracking app to record specific smells, their effects, and any patterns. This knowledge empowers you to proactively avoid or minimise exposure to perfume and other identified triggers.
Diagnosis and treatment planning
By providing comprehensive information about your migraine attacks, their frequency, severity, and any associated triggers, doctors can make more accurate diagnoses and develop tailored treatment plans. This includes discussing potential treatment adjustments and non-pharmacological approaches, such as stress management techniques and lifestyle changes to reduce triggers and enhance overall well-being.
Medication effectiveness
If you notice an association with nauseating smells before a migraine, informing your doctor can help determine when to treat an attack. Early treatment often increases the effectiveness of medications. Additionally, sharing your experiences with different medications guides future treatment decisions and discussions with your healthcare provider.
Olfactory hallucinations
If you smell something that others don't, it could be an olfactory hallucination, sometimes linked to neurological causes like seizures. It's important to mention these experiences to your doctor as they can be a manifestation of a migraine aura.
Osmophobia
Osmophobia, or sensitivity to smell, is a common symptom among individuals with migraines. It can worsen migraine duration and impairment. If you experience this hypersensitivity to smell, it's crucial to consult a doctor to understand and manage this aspect of your condition.
Remember, you don't have to navigate this alone. Seeking medical advice empowers you with knowledge, support, and effective strategies to manage your perfume-triggered migraines.
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Avoid department stores and other areas with strong scents
For those prone to migraines, department stores and other areas with strong scents can be a nightmare. The perfume spritzers alone can be enough to trigger a migraine episode, not to mention the myriad of other smells that often permeate these spaces, from air fresheners to cleaning products.
To avoid this trigger, it may be best to avoid department stores altogether and opt for shopping online or at smaller, independent stores with fewer scents. If you must enter a department store, there are a few strategies you can employ to reduce your risk of a migraine episode. Firstly, try to plan your route to avoid the perfume counters. Many department stores have maps available online, so you can plan your path in advance. Secondly, consider wearing a face mask. Not only are face masks helpful for preventing the spread of illness, but they can also help to filter out strong scents. Lastly, carry a small vial of your favourite essential oil or scent, and take a whiff if you encounter a strong smell that could be a potential trigger.
While it may be difficult to completely avoid department stores and other areas with strong scents, being mindful of your surroundings and taking proactive measures can help reduce the likelihood of a migraine episode. It is also important to note that not all department stores are created equal when it comes to scents. Some may be more mindful of their scent usage, while others may be more liberal with their perfume spritzers. If you know someone who works at a particular store, you could ask them about their scent usage to get a better idea of what to expect.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that not everyone will have the same triggers. While some people may find that strong scents in department stores trigger their migraines, others may find that different environments or triggers are more problematic. It is important to be aware of your personal triggers and take the necessary steps to avoid them. If you are unsure of your specific triggers, it may be helpful to keep a migraine diary, noting down any potential triggers you encountered before an episode. This can help you identify patterns and take steps to avoid certain triggers in the future.
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Opt for natural, plant-based products with natural fragrances
If you experience perfume-induced migraines, opting for natural, plant-based products with natural fragrances can be a viable solution.
Perfumes are composed of dozens of compounds and synthetic volatile chemicals that create an odour. Some of these synthetic compounds may be notorious headache instigators. By choosing natural fragrances, you can avoid exposure to these synthetic chemicals and potentially reduce the risk of triggering a migraine.
Natural fragrances are derived from natural sources such as flowers, fruits, herbs, and spices. They offer a gentler and more subtle aroma compared to synthetic fragrances. Essential oils, absolutes, concretes, and tinctures are all examples of natural fragrances. These natural extracts can provide a wide range of scents, from floral and citrus to woody and spicy notes.
When selecting natural, plant-based products, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for products that are labelled as "natural," "organic," or "naturally fragranced." Avoid products that contain synthetic fragrances, as listed on the ingredient labels.
Additionally, some natural fragrances may still trigger migraines in certain individuals. It is important to be mindful of your own sensitivities and allergies. If you know that you are sensitive to specific natural fragrances, avoid products containing those particular ingredients.
By making the switch to natural, plant-based products with natural fragrances, you may find relief from perfume-induced migraines and improve your overall well-being.
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Understand fragrance notes and ingredients that may be triggers
It is important to understand that fragrance notes and ingredients that may trigger migraines vary from person to person. However, there are some common triggers that you may want to avoid. Firstly, it is well-known that strong perfumes with floral scents, such as rose, are common triggers for migraines. In addition, sweet base notes and powdery fragrances are also often triggers. For example, Chanel No. 5 is a powdery fragrance that has been reported as a trigger by some people. Mugler Angel, a sweet, spicy, and fruity fragrance with strong notes of patchouli, is another popular fragrance that has been known to trigger migraines. Oud and vanilla are two other specific fragrance notes that have been identified as migraine triggers by some individuals.
It is also worth noting that some people may have a learned aversion to particular notes or ingredients due to prior negative experiences. For instance, if you associate a certain smell with a negative memory or stressful experience, smelling a similar scent in the future could trigger a physical reaction, such as a migraine. Additionally, some people are simply more sensitive to smells in general, and this heightened sensitivity to fragrances may trigger migraines.
To prevent migraines triggered by perfumes, it is crucial to identify your specific triggers and avoid fragrances that contain those notes or ingredients. You may also want to opt for fragrances with minimal sillage, which is the term used to describe the trail left by a perfume. Fragrances with low sillage include Glossier You, Musti Eau de Soin, Jo Malone Wild Bluebell, and Clean Classic Skin.
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Be mindful of others' fragrance sensitivities
It is important to be mindful of others' fragrance sensitivities. Perfume and other strong odors may trigger headaches, migraine episodes, and other symptoms in some people. Research suggests that osmophobia, or a fear, aversion, or psychological hypersensitivity to smell, is common among people with migraines.
People with fragrance sensitivities may experience various health effects upon exposure to fragranced products, such as perfumes, air fresheners, and personal care products. In a 2016 study, odors were found to be a common trigger for migraines, affecting 90.2% of participants, with perfume being the most common trigger.
Due to the subjective nature of scent perception, it is challenging to predict how others will react to a particular perfume. However, some general guidelines can help minimize the impact on those with sensitivities. When choosing and wearing fragrances, consider the concept of "sillage," which refers to the trail of fragrance left in the air. Opt for perfumes with minimal sillage, such as those with intimate or moderate ratings on sites like Fragrantica. Low-sillage perfumes include Glossier You, Musti Eau de Soin, Jo Malone Wild Bluebell, and Clean Classic Skin. Additionally, natural, plant-based products that use natural fragrances or are unscented can be a good alternative to avoid triggering headaches in those with sensitivities.
It is also important to be mindful of others' personal space and avoid spraying perfumes directly onto them without their consent. This is especially crucial in public places like department stores, where the strong scents of perfume can be overwhelming and trigger migraine attacks for some individuals.
By being considerate of others' fragrance sensitivities and choosing perfumes with lower sillage, we can help create a more comfortable environment for those around us who may be prone to perfume-induced migraines.
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Frequently asked questions
If you know that perfume is a trigger for your migraines, it's best to avoid it. Opt for natural fragrances or unscented products. If you want to wear perfume, go easy on the spritzing and try to stick to two sprays.
If you are exposed to perfume, step into fresh air, use cold compresses, and stay hydrated. If you know you will be exposed to perfume, you can also use nose plugs.
Some people find that light, citrus scents are less likely to trigger migraines than big florals or ambers. Some examples include Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien, Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte, and L’Occitane en Provence Citrus Verbena.
The exact reason why perfume triggers migraines is not yet known. Some experts believe that smells directly interact with the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve that sends signals to the brain. Others hypothesize that scents trigger the release of inflammatory substances in the brain, causing pain.
