Fragrance Allergy: A Common, Unseen Issue For Many

Fragrance allergies are a common condition, affecting up to 4.5% of the general adult population. They are caused by an abnormal immune reaction to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. The allergy typically occurs when certain fragrance components, known as allergens, come into contact with the skin, causing an inflammatory response. This can result in allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that appears on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. The allergy can also affect the mouth, causing cheilitis, gingivitis, blisters, and erosions.

The most common fragrance allergens

Fragrance allergy is a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. Up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials.

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 dermatitis can be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.

Skin allergies to fragrance ingredients frequently involve the skin of the face, hands, or armpits. Involvement of the armpits is common in both sexes. Other locations affected include perianal skin if perfumed toilet paper wet wipes, or haemorrhoid preparations are used.

The most common places fragrance allergies appear on the body

Anyone who uses or is exposed to fragranced products can become sensitised to them over time. A 2011 review by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety identified 82 substances in fragrances that are contact allergens, including 54 synthetic chemicals and 28 natural extracts. Twelve of the chemicals and eight of the natural extracts were listed as being at high risk of causing sensitisation.

Fragrance allergies typically occur when certain fragrance components called allergens come into direct 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.

The most common fragrances that can be identified by patch testing

Fragrance allergy is a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. Up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials.

• Balsam of Peru
• Fragrance Mix I (FM I)
• Fragrance Mix II (FM II)

Isoeugenol is the most common positive allergen in Fragrance Mix I, and hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral) in Fragrance Mix II.

In addition to these, the hydroperoxides of linalool and limonene are also common single allergens that can be identified by patch testing.

Fragrance allergy often presents as dermatitis, which can be itchy, streaky, and may burn and sting. It can affect the skin of the face, hands, armpits, or neck. In women, the hands, face, and neck are most commonly affected, while in men, the hands, face, and lower legs are most often affected.

The difference between an allergy and an intolerance

Anyone who uses or is exposed to fragranced products can become sensitised to them over time. A 2011 review of fragrances by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety listed 82 substances as contact allergens, including 54 synthetic chemicals and 28 natural extracts. Twelve of the chemicals and eight of the natural extracts were listed as being at high risk of causing sensitisation.

Up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials. Fragrance allergies typically cause an itchy rash on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. The armpits are commonly affected in both sexes, and other locations include the perianal skin if perfumed toilet paper wet wipes or haemorrhoid preparations are used.

In the context of fragrance allergies, an allergy occurs when certain fragrance components called allergens come into contact with the skin, causing the immune system to react by making protective proteins called antibodies to defend against the allergens. This inflammatory response leads to allergy symptoms. An intolerance to a component of a fragrance, on the other hand, would likely require a much larger amount of that component to elicit a reaction.

How to treat a fragrance allergy

Anyone who uses or is exposed to fragranced products can become sensitised to them over time. A 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity found that up to 30% of the US population had irritation from perfume, and 19% had actual health effects from fragrances. Another source states that up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials.

Fragrance allergies are chronic conditions involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. They generally cause symptoms on the skin, such as an itchy rash, that can be treated with medication. An allergist can confirm the diagnosis.

To treat a fragrance allergy, you must first identify the allergen, and then avoid it if possible. Treatment for allergic skin reactions includes antihistamines and topical steroid creams. Topical ointments and oatmeal baths can also help. In some cases, you may require immediate medical help.

If you are unsure what you are allergic to, you can try contact allergen testing. Your doctor or an allergist can use patch tests that expose you to small amounts of different allergens to determine your specific triggers.

The 'repeat open application test' is often more practical and cost-effective than patch testing. Before using a new fragrant leave-on product, apply a dot of the product to the same area of your forearm or inner upper arm twice a day for two weeks. If a rash develops, do not use the product.

Frequently asked questions