Because perfume manufacturers and cosmetics use a blend of natural and synthetic products, your body can have a reaction to these fragrances that ranges from an itchy nose to a red rash on your skin. Because a number of fragrances are available on the market, it can be difficult to entirely avoid scents you are allergic to. However, narrowing down what scents and additives specifically affect you can minimize your risk of allergic reactions.
Allergic Reaction Significance
An allergic reaction occurs when your body views a substance as a foreign invader, so the body initiates an inflammatory response that causes skin redness, swelling, itchy eyes and nose, and warmth on the skin. Each person differs in terms of what substances he is sensitive to. However, if you find you are sensitive to strong odors, scented laundry detergents or perfumed cosmetics, you may be especially sensitive to perfumes.
Expert Insight
Some people’s sensitivity to smells is keener than others, which can explain why you might experience a reaction to perfumes while your neighbor does not. “Women have a stronger sense of smell than men,” said Dr. Alan Hirsch, founder and neurological director of Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, in an interview with MSNBC.com. “Certain ethnic groups have better abilities to smell, and there are also different physiological states that will intensify olfactory abilities, like when you’re hungry or you’re pregnant.”
Testing
Although it is possible to be allergic to a variety of fragrance components, your physician can test you for a number of common fragrance allergens. Known as a “fragrance mix” test, your physician can apply a small amount of mixed chemicals and fragrances to your skin and observe your skin for allergic reactions, such as skin redness and itching. However, if you do not react to fragrance mix, it is still possible for you to be sensitive to another fragrance.
Treatment
If you experience an allergic reaction to perfumes on your skin, you can apply a corticosteroid or emollient unscented lotion to relieve itching, redness and warmth. Avoidance of scented products in favor of unscented or fragrance-free products can help, although these can still contain chemicals that disturb your body. If you undergo allergy testing for perfumes, your physician may explain ingredients such as benzyl alcohol, coumarin, eugenol, geraniol or wood tars that contribute to your allergic reaction. Your physician also may make individualized recommendations, including avoidance of certain foods that contain fragrance additives, in some instances.
References
- MSNBC.com; Odor Tyrants: Those Sensitive to Scent Fight Back; Diane Mapes; March 2008
- "The Arizona Republic"; Why Some People Have Allergic Reactions to Perfumes; Clay Thompson; April 2010
- Auckland Allergy Clinic; Fragrance (& Spice) Allergy; October 2001
- DermNet NZ; Fragrance Mix Allergy; Vanessage Ngan; November 2010
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