Navigating Fragrance Sensitivity: Tips For Managing Your Triggers

Fragrance sensitivity is a common issue that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. It occurs when the airways and eyes are irritated by chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. While it is not a true allergy, it can trigger allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Fragrance sensitivity affects a significant number of people, with up to one-third of adults experiencing some form of fragrance sensitivity. The best way to manage this condition is to avoid exposure to scented products, but this can be challenging due to the prevalence of fragrances in everyday items and the lack of transparent ingredient labels. However, there are steps that individuals can take to reduce their exposure and manage their symptoms.

Recognising symptoms: respiratory issues, skin irritation, nausea, headaches, etc

Fragrance sensitivity can manifest in a variety of ways, and symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with respiratory issues, skin irritation, nausea, and headaches:

Respiratory Issues

• A ticklish feeling in the nose
• A raw or burning sensation in the nasal passages
• Watery, itchy, or red eyes
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing, such as wheezing or a tight feeling in the chest
• Feeling of suffocation
• Stuffy nose

Skin Irritation

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Prickly rash
• Hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin)
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Skin peeling

Nausea

Extended inhalation of fragrances may lead to nausea.

Headaches

Fragrance sensitivity can trigger headaches.

It is important to note that symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as the duration and intensity of exposure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice and take steps to identify and avoid triggering fragrances.

Avoidance: removing fragrances, wearing masks, improving ventilation

The best way to prevent fragrance sensitivity is to remove, block, or avoid the offending substance. This can be relatively easy to do at home by buying unscented soaps and lotions, using natural cleaning products or making your own, and banning cigarettes indoors.

It can be harder to avoid fragrances in public places, but there are still steps you can take. You can keep your home well-ventilated by opening doors and windows, and installing vents and fans to circulate the air. You can also use air purifiers to help clean the air. When you go out, you can cover your mouth and nose with a clean handkerchief or wear a mask.

If you are an employer, you can try to remove offending fragrances from the workplace, especially if the fragrance is unique to the work environment or if you have more control over it. You can also move employees away from the fragrance by allowing them to work from home or in a private office with its own ventilation and minimal exposure to others.

If you are an employee, you can ask your employer to take these steps. You can also ask your coworkers to stop using fragranced products, or to use them less. It may be helpful to approach your coworkers politely and respectfully, and to explain your sensitivity.

Treatment: over-the-counter medication, allergy tests, asthma/allergy medication

If you suspect you have a fragrance sensitivity or allergy, you should seek advice from a medical professional. They may refer you to a dermatologist or allergist for further tests.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines and topical steroid creams can be used to treat allergic skin reactions. Pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or a nasal decongestant can also be used to treat symptoms such as congestion.

Allergy Tests

To confirm a fragrance allergy, a dermatologist or allergist will usually be able to diagnose an allergic reaction by looking at a rash on the skin. They may also perform a skin patch test to definitively confirm a fragrance allergy. This involves placing patches with allergens attached to them on the skin of your arm or back. You will wear these patches for 48 hours, after which your skin will be examined for reactions.

Asthma/Allergy Medication

If you have asthma or allergies, exposure to fragrances can cause an asthma attack or allergic response. In these cases, you should take your usual asthma or allergy medication to bring the symptoms under control.

Workplace accommodations: fragrance-free policies, working from home, private offices

Fragrance sensitivity in the workplace is a serious issue, and employers must be aware of their legal obligations to accommodate employees with fragrance sensitivity. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with fragrance sensitivities.

Workplace accommodations

• Fragrance-free policies: While a total fragrance ban may not be feasible or enforceable, especially when the workplace is accessible to the public, employers can implement fragrance-free policies to reduce the use of fragrances. This may include requesting employees to refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes and using scented products, such as toiletries, cosmetics, and cleaning agents, in the workplace.
• Working from home: For employees with fragrance sensitivity, working from home can be an effective solution to minimise their exposure to fragrances in the workplace. This option should be considered if removing the offending fragrance or relocating the employee is not possible.
• Private offices: Providing a private office for employees with fragrance sensitivity can help reduce their exposure to fragrances. This private space should have its own ventilation system and minimum traffic to limit the employee's contact with potential fragrance sources.

In addition to the above measures, employers can also:

• Educate employees about fragrance sensitivity and the impact of fragrances on their colleagues.
• Encourage employees to share their feelings and preferences regarding fragrances with their supervisors.
• Maintain good indoor air quality by using air purification systems and unscented cleaning products.
• Provide scent-free meeting rooms and restrooms.
• Modify workstation locations to distance employees with fragrance sensitivity from sources of fragrances.
• Allow fresh air breaks for affected employees.
• Modify communication methods, such as increasing remote work or virtual meetings.

By implementing these measures, employers can create a safer and more comfortable work environment for employees with fragrance sensitivity, while also promoting productivity and employee retention.

Product alternatives: natural cleaning products, fragrance-free cosmetics, homemade alternatives

Product Alternatives

The best way to manage fragrance sensitivity is to avoid scented products as much as possible. This can be challenging, as fragrance is found in many household and cosmetic products, and even some products labelled "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may contain irritating ingredients. However, there are several alternatives available.

Natural Cleaning Products

Natural, fragrance-free cleaning products are a good alternative to scented cleaning supplies, which can emit hazardous air pollutants. Some examples of fragrance-free cleaning products include:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Marble and granite cleaner
• Wood cleaner
• Daily shower spray
• Tub and tile cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent

Additionally, simple solutions such as vinegar and baking soda can be used for cleaning and wiping down surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

Fragrance-Free Cosmetics

For those with fragrance sensitivity, it is important to choose fragrance-free cosmetics and personal care products. This can be difficult to find in stores, so making your own may be an option. Some fragrance-free cosmetic products recommended by dermatologists include:

• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Dove Soothing Relief Body Wash
• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
• Covey Sun & Done Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50
• Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Homemade Alternatives

Homemade alternatives to cosmetic products can also be a good option for those with fragrance sensitivity. Natural ingredients such as coconut oil, sugar, argan oil, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera can be used to make homemade cleaners, serums, toners, and conditioners. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or frankincense oil can be added for additional benefits, if tolerated.

Frequently asked questions