Anything you apply directly to your skin or inhale in concentrated doses can trigger an allergic reaction or general irritation. Not all types of perfume cause problems. Some people have allergies to specific ingredients or smells. In some cases, using the same perfume for years eventually leads to an allergic reaction, according to MayoClinic.com. Perfume toxicity usually doesn't present a problem unless you accidentally drink some of the fragrance.
Allergies
Perfume allergies usually cause symptoms in either the nose and eyes or the skin. Perfume may make your skin red and sore because of an immune reaction. In extreme cases, known as contact dermatitis, your skin may even blister, according to MayoClinic.com. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can also cause your eyes to stream or your nose to itch. This reaction also leads to congestion or a running nose. Not all perfumes will trigger the same symptoms.
Sensitivities
Some people are simply more sensitive to perfume than others. If you're sensitive then wearing or sniffing perfume might trigger nonallergic rhinitis. This causes the same types of symptoms as allergic rhinitis but isn't caused by a true allergy. People with sensitive eyes often react badly to strong perfume. It can make your eyes stream and feel blurry or very sensitive. After prolonged exposure to strong perfume fumes, your eyes may become inflamed and red. Scratching your skin or around your eyes will likely just make matters worse.
Toxicity
Most commercially available perfumes don't contain seriously harmful substances. Nonetheless, accidentally spilling perfume in your eyes or drinking a small amount can cause serious reactions. If a little perfume lands in your eyes, wash them out immediately with fresh cool water. Perfume often contains alcohol, which in very large doses, can have a toxic effect, particularly in small children. If your child swallows perfume, take her to the emergency room
Considerations
Existing skin, breathing or nasal conditions can make you more sensitive to perfume. For example, a 2004 study reported in the "British Journal of Dermatology" found that people with eczema are more likely to show eye and breathing problems around strong perfume fragrances. Similarly, adding perfume to skin affected by psoriasis or a skin rash is likely to inflame the area and prolong the problem. Your doctor can determine whether you have a true allergic reaction to perfume with an allergy test.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Contact Dermatitis; July 2011
- "British Journal of Dermatology"; A Link Between Skin and Airways Regarding Sensitivity to Fragrance Products?; December 2004
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Eye Allergies
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