Maybe you have been in this situation before. You are dining out, enjoying your meal when the hostess and another couple walk by your table. Then, there is the waft of strong perfume. Your allergic reaction kicks in, and you are forced to forgo your evening out. According to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, you are among the up to 4 percent of the population who experience allergic reactions.
Significance
According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated, there are more than 5,000 fragrances used in manufacturing today. Of that number, a small portion of those scents have been found to cause allergic reactions in people. However, the widespread use of fragrances in perfumes increases your likelihood of an allergic reaction, whether it is at work or walking through the mall.
Types of Allergies
One common form of allergic reaction is contact dermatitis. As the name implies, you would need to come into direct contact with the allergy-causing perfume in order to experience a reaction. Your skin will become itchy and inflamed as your white blood cells begin to react to the allergen. A similar reaction can also occur in your respiratory system. If you inhale the scent of a perfume, your eyes may begin to itch. You may sneeze as your body attempts to rid itself of the perfume smell. Unfortunately, if you experience an allergic reaction to a certain perfume, you will likely have it as long as you live.
Diagnosing Fragrance Allergies
Your doctor will likely do a patch test. Dermatologists will use what is called a fragrance mix to determine how your body responds. A fragrance mix will test your body's reaction to eight of the most common allergy-causing scents. Not all substances used in perfumes have been identified as allergy-causing. Having the knowledge of what causes your body to react will help you make better choices when buying fragrances for yourself.
Treatment
Your allergic reaction is likely to be the worst where you came in contact with the perfume. Severe reactions may cause your skin to blister. The first thing you want to do is to remove the perfume from your skin with warm water and a mild soap. Try to resist the urge to scratch as it will only leave you at risk for developing an infection. Hydrocortisone topical creams will help shrink the inflammation and swelling. Taking an antihistamine will help counter the effects of an allergic reaction internally.
Complications
There can be serious complications from perfume allergies, especially if you are in a situation where it is difficult to avoid contact or inhalation of the allergy-causing scent. Bear in mind that continued exposure will only worsen your allergic reactions. Other complications can arise if your skin becomes infected by scratching, which can cause open sores. This can lead to bacterial infections and permanent scarring of your skin. The best way you can prevent allergic reactions to avoid contact with the perfume.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology"; Fragrance Contact Allergy: A Clinical Review; J. Johansen; November 2003
- New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated: Fragrance Mix Allergy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Contact Dermatitis
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora and S. Reynolds Grabowski; 1996
- Mayo Clinic: Contact Dermatitis - Treatment
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