Cologne's Nose Burn: What's The Science?

Fragrances are a common cause of nasal irritation and allergic reactions. Burning sensations in the nose can be caused by a variety of factors, including the high concentration of pepper and ambroxan in the cologne, or the alcohol content. Fragrance sensitivity is a real condition that affects millions of people, and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma, headaches, skin itching and burning, and watery eyes. In some cases, an allergic reaction to cologne can lead to more severe symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue, and anaphylaxis. It is important to identify the source of the allergy and limit exposure to fragrances that cause irritation.

Fragrance sensitivity

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include:

• Headaches
• Respiratory problems, such as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion
• Skin irritations, such as redness, itching, and burning
• Watery, itchy, or red eyes
• Nausea and dizziness
• Contact irritant dermatitis

In some cases, fragrance sensitivity can lead to more severe reactions, such as:

• Swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue
• Anaphylaxis

The best way to prevent fragrance sensitivity is to avoid exposure to offending substances. However, this can be challenging because manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients in their products. Discussing fragrance sensitivity with others can also help to limit exposure to fragrances in shared spaces.

If you suspect you have fragrance sensitivity, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can help you identify triggers and manage your symptoms.

Perfume allergy

A perfume or cologne allergy happens when you have an allergic reaction after being exposed to a perfume that contains an allergen. A perfume allergy is a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products.

Perfume allergies are caused in part by over 2,500 chemicals, which are often unlisted, in the average perfume or cologne. Due to laws around "trade secrets", most companies can simply put "fragrance" on their perfumes to represent a hundred or more chemical compounds.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a perfume allergy can result from touching the perfume liquid or substance, getting sprayed by the perfume, or even inhaling some of it. Mild symptoms of a perfume allergy can include:

• Itching, even where you don’t see any rash or irritation
• Itching around your eyes and in your throat
• Skin that’s scaly or dry
• Blisters that get crusty and ooze pus
• Patchy, reddish skin
• A burning sensation on your skin with no visible irritation or sores
• Being more sensitive to sunlight than usual

Other allergic reactions are much more severe and can happen quickly. Some of these symptoms might need immediate medical attention. They are, however, extremely rare. Here are some severe, emergency symptoms to watch out for:

• Swelling in your mouth, lips, or tongue, which can make it harder for you to breathe, eat, or talk
• Anaphylaxis, where your airways get inflamed and close up because your body releases a high volume of a type of antibody called IgE, making it difficult or impossible to breathe

Treatment

Treatment for a cologne allergy depends on its severity. Options may include medications, topical ointments, and oatmeal baths. In some cases, you may require immediate medical help. Your treatment should be based on your symptoms and the substance that causes the allergy. Most importantly, it should include avoidance of the substance that caused the symptom in the first place.

Some treatments for mild, temporary symptoms include:

• Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help with itching and stuffiness
• Topical corticosteroid creams. You can apply hydrocortisone or other similar steroid creams to an itchy area or to a rash
• Colloidal oatmeal bath. Taking an oatmeal bath can help soothe itching and inflammation
• Gentle moisturizing lotion or cream. Use one that doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or chemicals that might trigger another reaction
• Light therapy. You can try either blue or red light to help eliminate any bacteria irritating your skin or to reduce the immune system response on your skin to both soothe and repair tissue

Diagnosis

Allergy specialists or dermatologists can usually look at a rash on the skin and be able to diagnose if it is due to an allergic reaction compared to other factors. In order to definitively understand what is causing the reaction and whether or not it is related to fragrance compounds, you will have to undergo skin patch testing.

Prevention

There is nothing you can do to prevent developing a fragrance allergy, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid substances that will trigger a reaction if you want to live a fragrance-free lifestyle. Always check the label before buying different cosmetic or personal care products like shampoo or body wash. Avoid products with ingredients labeled "parfum", "perfume", or "fragrance". Choose fragrance-free or hypoallergenic personal care products.

Skin reactions

If you experience a skin reaction to cologne, there are several things you can do to ease the symptoms. Firstly, try to keep all fragrances off your body and out of your immediate environment. Many everyday products, such as cleaning and deodorizing products, contain fragrances. Opt for fragrance-free products instead.

If you are experiencing a mild skin reaction, you can try the following home remedies:

• Wash the affected skin with gentle, dye-free soap and lukewarm water.
• Soothe the area with a hypoallergenic, natural product like calamine lotion, aloe vera, or coconut oil.
• Use a topical corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone or Benadryl, on the itchy or inflamed area.
• Take an oatmeal bath to help soothe itching and inflammation.
• Use a gentle, artificial ingredient-free moisturising lotion or cream to prevent dryness.

If you are experiencing a more severe skin reaction, such as large hives or a fever, seek medical attention.

Respiratory reactions

If you experience respiratory issues when exposed to cologne, it is likely that you have a fragrance sensitivity or allergy. Fragrance sensitivity is a common condition, affecting millions of people, and can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory and skin reactions.

The symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can vary depending on the type of sensitivity and the individual. Respiratory symptoms of fragrance sensitivity may include sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma, and headaches. These symptoms can feel similar to seasonal allergies, and can be managed with nasal antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid medications.

In more severe cases, exposure to cologne can trigger an allergic reaction, causing anaphylaxis. This is a rare but serious condition in which the airways become inflamed and close up, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. If you experience anaphylaxis, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

To prevent respiratory reactions, it is advisable to limit exposure to fragrances. This may include asking others to avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, using fragrance-free products, and keeping a small air purifier nearby.

It is worth noting that fragrance manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients, and products may be labelled as "fragrance-free" even if they contain scented additives. Therefore, it can be challenging to identify the specific fragrance that triggers a reaction. However, by paying attention to the times when symptoms flare up and limiting exposure to strong fragrances, it is possible to manage respiratory reactions to cologne.

Contact dermatitis

Perfumes and colognes are made up of volatile chemicals that create an odour. These fragrances are typically comprised of dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds, many of which are unlisted due to "trade secrets". This makes it difficult for consumers to know if a product contains an allergen.

Treatment options for contact dermatitis caused by cologne depend on its severity and may include medications, topical ointments, and oatmeal baths. It is important to avoid the substance causing the allergy and to seek medical help if necessary.

Frequently asked questions