How do perfume allergies differ from sensitivities. What are the common symptoms of perfume allergies. How can you effectively treat and manage perfume allergies. When should you seek medical attention for perfume-related reactions. What steps can you take to prevent perfume allergies.

The Prevalence and Impact of Perfume Allergies

Perfume allergies are more common than many people realize. A 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity revealed that up to 30% of the U.S. population experienced irritation from perfumes, with 19% reporting actual health effects. These statistics highlight the significant impact of fragrances on public health and well-being.

The widespread use of perfumes and fragrances in everyday products makes it challenging for those with sensitivities or allergies to avoid exposure completely. From personal care items to household cleaners, fragrances are ubiquitous in modern life.

The Hidden Culprits: Undisclosed Chemicals in Perfumes

One of the main challenges in addressing perfume allergies is the lack of transparency in ingredient labeling. Due to “trade secret” laws, perfume manufacturers are often not required to disclose the full list of ingredients in their products. Instead, they can simply list “fragrance” as a catch-all term, potentially representing hundreds of chemical compounds.

This lack of disclosure makes it difficult for consumers to identify specific allergens or irritants in perfumes. On average, a single perfume or cologne may contain over 2,500 chemicals, many of which are not listed on the label.

Distinguishing Between Perfume Allergies and Sensitivities

To effectively manage reactions to perfumes, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a true allergy and a sensitivity. While both can cause discomfort, they involve different physiological mechanisms and may require different approaches to treatment and prevention.

Perfume Allergies: An Immune System Response

A true perfume allergy occurs when the immune system identifies a specific ingredient in the perfume as a threat. This triggers an inflammatory response, similar to how the body reacts to bacteria or viruses. Allergic reactions typically develop over several days and can manifest as itchiness or a rash that may persist for weeks.

Perfume Sensitivities: Irritation Without Immune Involvement

Perfume sensitivities are more common than true allergies. They involve a reaction to an irritating substance without triggering a full-scale immune response. Symptoms of sensitivity tend to be milder and shorter-lived, such as temporary sneezing or a headache that subsides once the irritant is removed.

Common Symptoms of Perfume Allergies and Sensitivities

Recognizing the symptoms of perfume allergies and sensitivities is crucial for proper management and treatment. While some symptoms may overlap, there are distinct differences between allergic reactions and sensitivity responses.

Symptoms of Perfume Allergies

• Itchy, red rash (may persist for weeks)
• Itching without visible rash
• Scaly or dry skin
• Blisters that ooze and crust
• Hives
• Patchy, reddish skin
• Burning sensation without visible irritation
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Symptoms of Perfume Sensitivities

• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip
• Persistent cough
• Headaches
• Nausea

Is a perfume allergy potentially dangerous? While most perfume allergies cause mild to moderate discomfort, severe reactions can occur in rare cases. These severe symptoms require immediate medical attention and may include swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing.

Identifying Triggers: The Science Behind Perfume Allergies

Understanding the science behind perfume allergies can help individuals better identify their triggers and take appropriate precautions. The complexity of perfume formulations makes this a challenging task, but knowledge is power when it comes to managing allergic reactions.

The Role of Proteins in True Allergies

A true perfume allergy occurs when the body reacts to an organic protein present in a perfume ingredient. These proteins are recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders, triggering an inflammatory response. However, it’s important to note that most reactions to perfumes are not true allergies but rather sensitivities to synthetic or chemical irritants.

Common Allergens and Irritants in Perfumes

While the full list of potential allergens and irritants in perfumes is extensive, some common culprits include:

• Synthetic musks
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Essential oils (e.g., citrus oils, lavender, tea tree)
• Benzyl alcohol
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Eugenol

Can natural fragrances cause allergic reactions? Yes, even natural and organic perfumes can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities. Essential oils and plant extracts, while natural, can still contain potent allergens or irritants.

Effective Treatments for Perfume Allergies and Sensitivities

Managing perfume allergies and sensitivities involves a combination of avoidance strategies and targeted treatments. The most effective approach will depend on the severity of symptoms and the specific triggers involved.

Immediate Relief for Mild Symptoms

For mild, temporary symptoms of perfume allergies or sensitivities, the following treatments can provide relief:

1. Over-the-counter antihistamines: Medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help alleviate itching and nasal congestion.
2. Topical corticosteroid creams: For skin reactions, OTC hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and itching.
3. Cool compresses: Applying a cool, damp cloth to affected skin areas can soothe irritation and reduce itching.
4. Nasal irrigation: For nasal symptoms, using a saline nasal spray or neti pot can help flush out irritants.

Long-Term Management Strategies

For individuals with chronic perfume allergies or sensitivities, long-term management strategies are essential:

• Allergen avoidance: Identify and avoid specific fragrances or products that trigger reactions.
• Use of fragrance-free products: Opt for unscented personal care items and household products.
• Air purifiers: Consider using HEPA air purifiers in your home and workplace to reduce airborne fragrance particles.
• Allergy testing: Consult an allergist for patch testing to identify specific allergens.
• Immunotherapy: In some cases, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended for severe allergies.

How effective are air purifiers in reducing perfume-related symptoms? While not a cure-all, high-quality air purifiers with activated carbon filters can significantly reduce airborne fragrance molecules, potentially alleviating symptoms for sensitive individuals.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Perfume-Related Reactions

While most perfume-related reactions are mild and can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for preventing potentially serious complications.

Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms after exposure to a perfume:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hives or severe skin reaction

These symptoms could indicate anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment.

When to Consult an Allergist

Consider scheduling an appointment with an allergist if:

• Your symptoms are persistent or recurring
• Over-the-counter treatments are not providing adequate relief
• Your quality of life is significantly impacted by perfume sensitivity
• You’re unsure whether you have a true allergy or sensitivity

An allergist can perform specialized tests to identify specific allergens and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Preventing Perfume Allergies: Strategies for a Fragrance-Free Lifestyle

For individuals with perfume allergies or sensitivities, adopting a fragrance-free lifestyle can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of reactions. While it may seem challenging in a world where fragrances are ubiquitous, there are several effective strategies to minimize exposure.

Creating a Fragrance-Free Home Environment

• Replace scented household products with unscented alternatives
• Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda
• Opt for fragrance-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Choose unscented personal care products (soaps, lotions, deodorants)
• Use essential oil diffusers with caution, as even natural fragrances can trigger reactions

Navigating Social and Professional Settings

Managing perfume allergies in public spaces can be challenging, but these strategies can help:

• Communicate your sensitivity to friends, family, and coworkers
• Request fragrance-free policies in your workplace or school
• Choose seating away from heavily fragranced individuals when possible
• Carry a small personal air purifier for use in confined spaces
• Advocate for fragrance-free zones in public areas

Is it possible to desensitize yourself to perfume allergens? While some allergies can be treated with immunotherapy, perfume allergies are complex due to the multitude of potential allergens involved. Desensitization is generally not a practical approach for perfume allergies, and avoidance remains the most effective strategy.

The Future of Fragrance: Trends in Hypoallergenic and Sensitive-Friendly Perfumes

As awareness of perfume allergies and sensitivities grows, the fragrance industry is responding with innovative approaches to create safer, more inclusive products. This evolution in perfumery offers hope for individuals who have long struggled with fragrance-related reactions.

Emerging Technologies in Fragrance Development

Several cutting-edge technologies are paving the way for hypoallergenic fragrances:

• Molecular distillation: A process that removes potential allergens from essential oils
• Synthetic biology: Creating bio-identical fragrance molecules without allergenic impurities
• Encapsulation technology: Reducing skin contact with potentially irritating ingredients
• AI-driven formulation: Using artificial intelligence to predict and avoid problematic ingredient combinations

The Rise of Clean Fragrance Brands

A new wave of “clean” fragrance brands is prioritizing transparency and safety in their formulations. These companies often:

• Provide full ingredient disclosure
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Use naturally derived or safe synthetic ingredients
• Offer fragrance-free or minimally scented options
• Conduct extensive testing for potential sensitivities

Will hypoallergenic perfumes become the new norm? While traditional fragrances will likely remain popular, the growing demand for safer alternatives is driving innovation in the industry. As more consumers become aware of perfume allergies and sensitivities, hypoallergenic and “clean” fragrances are likely to gain significant market share.

Understanding perfume allergies and sensitivities is crucial for those affected and for society at large. By recognizing symptoms, identifying triggers, and implementing effective management strategies, individuals can navigate a fragrant world more comfortably. As the fragrance industry evolves to address these concerns, there’s hope for a future where everyone can enjoy scents without fear of adverse reactions.

Perfume Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatments

A perfume or fragrance allergy happens when you have an allergic reaction after being exposed to a perfume that contains an allergen.

Symptoms of a perfume allergy can result from:

• touching the perfume liquid or substance
• getting sprayed by the perfume
• even inhaling some of it

According to a 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity, up to about 30 percent of the population of the United States had irritation from a perfume.

As many as 19 percent of participants in the survey had actual health effects from fragrances.

Perfume allergies are caused in part by over 2,500 chemicals, which are often unlisted, in the average perfume or cologne.

Thanks to laws around “trade secrets,” most companies can simply put “fragrance” on their perfumes to represent a hundred or more chemical compounds.

It can be difficult to totally avoid perfumes that cause allergic reactions. But here’s some information on:

• what you can do when you notice the symptoms
• how to treat and cope with your allergic reactions
• when to see your doctor

Allergies

When you have allergies, your body has a specific immune system response to an ingredient or a chemical in the perfume that causes the reaction.

This means that your body identifies the ingredient in the perfume as a foreign substance. Then, it releases an inflammatory reaction to help fight off the substance as if it’s a bacterial or viral invader.

This immune system response usually develops over a course of days and manifests as itchiness or a rash. These symptoms can last for weeks before they go away.

Sensitivity

Perfume sensitivity, much more common, is a reaction to something that irritates your body. Sensitivity doesn’t necessarily trigger a body-wide immune system response.

With a sensitivity, you might have a rash that goes away after a few hours or a mild headache.

You might also just sneeze a few times before your symptoms go away. This is because your body reacts by getting rid of the irritant to return to normal.

Types of substances

The substance that you react to also makes a difference.

Most ingredients in perfumes that cause a reaction aren’t actually allergens. They’re usually synthetic or chemical irritants that your body finds… well, irritating.

Allergens, on the other hand, are technically proteins that the body reacts to with an inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms.

In short, a true perfume allergy happens when an organic protein in a perfume ingredient causes the reaction. The heavy majority of reactions people endure are simply perfume sensitivities.

The symptoms you experience are directly related to whether you have a perfume allergy or a perfume sensitivity.

Let’s look at some common symptoms.

Allergy

Most allergic reactions typically give you an itchy red rash that goes away quickly after you’ve been exposed to the perfume. Some mild symptoms can last for a few weeks even after a brief exposure.

A few 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
• outbreak of hives
• patchy, reddish skin
• a burning sensation on your skin with no visible irritation or sores
• being more sensitive to sunlight than usual

Sensitivity

A few mild symptoms of a perfume sensitivity can include:

• sneezing if the perfume is sprayed near your face and airways (nose, mouth, and throat)
• itching, running, or stuffiness of your nose
• nasal mucus dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• persistent cough
• headaches
• nausea

Other allergic reactions are much more severe and can happen quickly. Some of these symptoms might need immediate medical attention. They’re however, extremely rare.

Here are some severe, emergency symptoms to watch out for:

• Swelling in your mouth, lips, or tongue. This kind of swelling can be uncomfortable and make it harder for you to breathe, eat, or talk. You may need medical treatment, such as corticosteroid injections, to reduce the swelling quickly.
• Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis happens when your airways get inflamed and close up because your body releases a high volume of a type of antibody called IgE. This can make it difficult or impossible to breathe. Get emergency medical help if this happens.

Your treatment for a perfume allergy 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.

Try these treatments for mild, temporary symptoms:

• Medications. Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help with itching and stuffiness. You can get these at any store that sells over-the-counter (OTC) medications or get a prescription from your doctor.
• 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. You can also make an oatmeal compress by putting oatmeal soaked in cold water in a thin material like pantyhose.
• Gentle moisturizing lotion or cream. Use one that doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or chemicals that might trigger another reaction.
• Try 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.

If perfume or fragrance allergies are disrupting your life and you want your symptoms to be less severe:

• Consider getting contact allergen testing. Your doctor or an allergist can use patch tests that expose you to small amounts of different allergens to determine your specific allergic triggers. Once you figure out what you’re allergic to, you can try to avoid any perfumes that contain those ingredients.

Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if you have a fever or any trouble breathing.

The first thing you should try to do is avoid the substance causing your allergy in the first place.

Once you know what you’re allergic or sensitive to, look for that substance in any perfume you want to buy and never buy it again.

Try natural, plant-based perfumes if you still want to achieve a similar scent but want to avoid any of the substances that cause allergies.

Choosing a perfume that has minimal ingredients can reduce the chance you’ll have an allergic or sensitivity reaction.

But you can’t always avoid exposure, especially if you live or work with people who wear perfume for personal or professional reasons.

Here are some ways you can help take control of your environment and reduce symptoms of a perfume allergy:

• Try to avoid common areas where people wearing perfume may walk by and trigger your allergies or sensitivities.
• Keep a small air purifier near your workspace to help keep your air free of airborne proteins that can trigger your symptoms.
• Let the people around you know about your allergies, so they can know to avoid wearing perfume around you.
• Don’t use any scented products at all to minimize your possible exposure to your allergy or sensitivity triggers. This includes candles and air fresheners.
• Get a flu shot every year to keep your immune system strong.
• Talk to your employer about keeping your workplace scent-free, especially if you have other coworkers with fragrance allergies or sensitivities.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• large boils or hives that are painful or extremely itchy
• feeling exhausted or drowsy
• feeling confused or disoriented
• feeling unusually dizzy
• feeling sick or throwing up
• heart rate spiking for no reason or beating abnormally
• you have a fever (100. 4°F or higher)
• you have symptoms of an infection on your skin or elsewhere, including your skin being warm to the touch or an itchy rash that’s producing a thick, cloudy, discolored discharge
• your itchiness or rashes become painfully itchy or constantly distract you from your everyday life
• your rash is spreading out from the place it started to other parts of your body, or new rashes appear where you haven’t been exposed
• you have a reaction around your face or your genitals
• your symptoms don’t get any better or start to get worse after a few days or weeks
• you have trouble breathing because of tightness in your throat

Perfume allergies and sensitivities are common and can be disruptive. This is especially true if you have to work or live with people who wear perfume or cologne every day, and you don’t have the ability to avoid them.

But there’s plenty you can do to reduce your exposure or improve your symptoms.

Limiting exposure, getting treatment, and telling those around you about your symptoms can help you cope and make sure exposure doesn’t interfere with your life.

Perfume Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatments

A perfume or fragrance allergy happens when you have an allergic reaction after being exposed to a perfume that contains an allergen.

Symptoms of a perfume allergy can result from:

• touching the perfume liquid or substance
• getting sprayed by the perfume
• even inhaling some of it

According to a 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity, up to about 30 percent of the population of the United States had irritation from a perfume.

As many as 19 percent of participants in the survey had actual health effects from fragrances.

Perfume allergies are caused in part by over 2,500 chemicals, which are often unlisted, in the average perfume or cologne.

Thanks to laws around “trade secrets,” most companies can simply put “fragrance” on their perfumes to represent a hundred or more chemical compounds.

It can be difficult to totally avoid perfumes that cause allergic reactions. But here’s some information on:

• what you can do when you notice the symptoms
• how to treat and cope with your allergic reactions
• when to see your doctor

Allergies

When you have allergies, your body has a specific immune system response to an ingredient or a chemical in the perfume that causes the reaction.

This means that your body identifies the ingredient in the perfume as a foreign substance. Then, it releases an inflammatory reaction to help fight off the substance as if it’s a bacterial or viral invader.

This immune system response usually develops over a course of days and manifests as itchiness or a rash. These symptoms can last for weeks before they go away.

Sensitivity

Perfume sensitivity, much more common, is a reaction to something that irritates your body. Sensitivity doesn’t necessarily trigger a body-wide immune system response.

With a sensitivity, you might have a rash that goes away after a few hours or a mild headache.

You might also just sneeze a few times before your symptoms go away. This is because your body reacts by getting rid of the irritant to return to normal.

Types of substances

The substance that you react to also makes a difference.

Most ingredients in perfumes that cause a reaction aren’t actually allergens. They’re usually synthetic or chemical irritants that your body finds… well, irritating.

Allergens, on the other hand, are technically proteins that the body reacts to with an inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms.

In short, a true perfume allergy happens when an organic protein in a perfume ingredient causes the reaction. The heavy majority of reactions people endure are simply perfume sensitivities.

The symptoms you experience are directly related to whether you have a perfume allergy or a perfume sensitivity.

Let’s look at some common symptoms.

Allergy

Most allergic reactions typically give you an itchy red rash that goes away quickly after you’ve been exposed to the perfume. Some mild symptoms can last for a few weeks even after a brief exposure.

A few 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
• outbreak of hives
• patchy, reddish skin
• a burning sensation on your skin with no visible irritation or sores
• being more sensitive to sunlight than usual

Sensitivity

A few mild symptoms of a perfume sensitivity can include:

• sneezing if the perfume is sprayed near your face and airways (nose, mouth, and throat)
• itching, running, or stuffiness of your nose
• nasal mucus dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• persistent cough
• headaches
• nausea

Other allergic reactions are much more severe and can happen quickly. Some of these symptoms might need immediate medical attention. They’re however, extremely rare.

Here are some severe, emergency symptoms to watch out for:

• Swelling in your mouth, lips, or tongue. This kind of swelling can be uncomfortable and make it harder for you to breathe, eat, or talk. You may need medical treatment, such as corticosteroid injections, to reduce the swelling quickly.
• Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis happens when your airways get inflamed and close up because your body releases a high volume of a type of antibody called IgE. This can make it difficult or impossible to breathe. Get emergency medical help if this happens.

Your treatment for a perfume allergy 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.

Try these treatments for mild, temporary symptoms:

• Medications. Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) can help with itching and stuffiness. You can get these at any store that sells over-the-counter (OTC) medications or get a prescription from your doctor.
• 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. You can also make an oatmeal compress by putting oatmeal soaked in cold water in a thin material like pantyhose.
• Gentle moisturizing lotion or cream. Use one that doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or chemicals that might trigger another reaction.
• Try 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.

If perfume or fragrance allergies are disrupting your life and you want your symptoms to be less severe:

• Consider getting contact allergen testing. Your doctor or an allergist can use patch tests that expose you to small amounts of different allergens to determine your specific allergic triggers. Once you figure out what you’re allergic to, you can try to avoid any perfumes that contain those ingredients.

Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if you have a fever or any trouble breathing.

The first thing you should try to do is avoid the substance causing your allergy in the first place.

Once you know what you’re allergic or sensitive to, look for that substance in any perfume you want to buy and never buy it again.

Try natural, plant-based perfumes if you still want to achieve a similar scent but want to avoid any of the substances that cause allergies.

Choosing a perfume that has minimal ingredients can reduce the chance you’ll have an allergic or sensitivity reaction.

But you can’t always avoid exposure, especially if you live or work with people who wear perfume for personal or professional reasons.

Here are some ways you can help take control of your environment and reduce symptoms of a perfume allergy:

• Try to avoid common areas where people wearing perfume may walk by and trigger your allergies or sensitivities.
• Keep a small air purifier near your workspace to help keep your air free of airborne proteins that can trigger your symptoms.
• Let the people around you know about your allergies, so they can know to avoid wearing perfume around you.
• Don’t use any scented products at all to minimize your possible exposure to your allergy or sensitivity triggers. This includes candles and air fresheners.
• Get a flu shot every year to keep your immune system strong.
• Talk to your employer about keeping your workplace scent-free, especially if you have other coworkers with fragrance allergies or sensitivities.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• large boils or hives that are painful or extremely itchy
• feeling exhausted or drowsy
• feeling confused or disoriented
• feeling unusually dizzy
• feeling sick or throwing up
• heart rate spiking for no reason or beating abnormally
• you have a fever (100. 4°F or higher)
• you have symptoms of an infection on your skin or elsewhere, including your skin being warm to the touch or an itchy rash that’s producing a thick, cloudy, discolored discharge
• your itchiness or rashes become painfully itchy or constantly distract you from your everyday life
• your rash is spreading out from the place it started to other parts of your body, or new rashes appear where you haven’t been exposed
• you have a reaction around your face or your genitals
• your symptoms don’t get any better or start to get worse after a few days or weeks
• you have trouble breathing because of tightness in your throat

Perfume allergies and sensitivities are common and can be disruptive. This is especially true if you have to work or live with people who wear perfume or cologne every day, and you don’t have the ability to avoid them.

But there’s plenty you can do to reduce your exposure or improve your symptoms.

Limiting exposure, getting treatment, and telling those around you about your symptoms can help you cope and make sure exposure doesn’t interfere with your life.

Allergic to perfume? Find out the reasons!

Complain about material

Anna Askarova

10/20/2014 at 13:24

Smells surround us everywhere and always – it is an integral part of life. Every day we feel thousands of smells and we are not even always aware of their presence. But, in our life there are aromas chosen consciously – favorites that accompany to work, to rest, at home and even during sleep. Naturally, these are perfumes.

All aromatic compositions consist of natural raw materials, sometimes with impurities of synthetically synthesized substances, and sometimes do not contain any component extracted by natural means. The fact is that absolutely all essential and absolute oils, balms and resins, components of animal origin, etc. have a positive effect on the human body. Each substance has its own sphere of activity. So, for example, citrus aromas help to cope with depression, nervous tension and improve brain function. Amber, musk and most of the animal ingredients have a significant impact on our libido. But, as they say, what’s the catch? Sometimes even the most fragrant substances, which are simply impossible not to fall in love with from the first breath, can play against us.

So, between the natural desire to smell and become the owner of an unsurpassed flair and us, a serious problem can arise, whose name is allergy.

Perfume allergy is a widespread and very unpleasant problem that can befall anyone and at any time. Even if a person has never suffered from this disease, trouble can take him by surprise, because in everyday life we ​​rarely come across exotic components that perfumers love to use in their masterpieces. A fancy perfume with an unfamiliar name in a pyramid can play Russian roulette with us.

The first sign that you are allergic to perfume is a headache, gradually turning into a general deterioration in well-being and weakness. But most of all, our respiratory tract and the skin on which the fragrance is applied suffer. So a runny nose, constant sneezing, and sometimes an unbearable cough, along with skin rashes and redness, are constant companions of allergies. If you are still faced with this problem, or just want to stay on the alert and do everything to avoid it, you should understand the causes of the disease.

Causes

1) The product you have purchased is counterfeit.

If you have not previously noticed an allergic reaction to a fragrance that you previously used, but the problem still arose when buying another bottle, most likely the purchased product is a fake, which, of course, uses the cheapest (read: the least quality ) Components. In order to protect yourself from low-quality products, adhere to the following rules:

· Under no circumstances should you buy perfumes in markets and underpasses;

· too attractive price for the goods of a well-known and prestigious manufacturer should not lure, but scare away;

·when ordering a perfume via the Internet, use only a proven resource (if you have not used this online store before, look at reviews about it in recommendation networks).

2) Individual intolerance to certain components.

So it may well happen that even for a quality product you will be allergic. The reason for this is individual intolerance, which can occur both on synthetic and natural components (most often flowers or citruses act as allergens). If you know that you are allergic to a particular plant, carefully study its composition before buying a perfume. Of course, this is impossible to do in stores, so use the online encyclopedia to familiarize yourself with the pyramid.

3) Buying expired products

The popularity of vintage perfumes is growing by leaps and bounds. But still, do not forget that after the expiration date specified by the manufacturer, the components that make up the perfume composition begin to enter into rather unpredictable reactions, the result of which at one fine moment may be your swollen face, or no less obvious signs of allergy.

How to protect yourself from allergies?

·Purchase products labeled as hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested.

·Alcohol is a common culprit in allergies. If you are familiar with this problem, use dry or oil perfumes. The latter can be easily made from natural oils even at home.

· Avoid overpriced products.

· If you experience an allergic reaction to a perfume from a certain manufacturer, you should stop using this line.

·If you decide to experiment with a fragrance, but are afraid of the possible consequences, testers and samplers will help you – they will save you from a wasted purchase. Put a drop of perfume on your wrist and walk for half an hour. If nothing terrible has happened, feel free to buy the flavor you like.

·Keep purchased perfume out of direct sunlight to prevent premature reactions that occur after the expiration date.

· Do not use a high concentration of fragrance on sun-exposed areas (you don’t want to break the pigmentation of your skin, do you?).

·If you do experience an allergic reaction to perfumes, you should immediately take a cool shower, or simply rinse the affected area with water (if you can not take a shower or bath). It is also worth taking an anti-allergic drug and refraining from further use of perfumes that caused a similar reaction.

May fragrant life partners never harm you. Follow these tips and don’t be afraid to experiment with perfume. After all, only the search for something new will lead you to your cherished goal.

Offers from partners:
perfume sampler sets 8 in 1

“What should I do if I am allergic to perfume?”

Read also

Is changing scents during the day a bad idea? Not at all: explaining why

All articles of the category

Featured Articles

My Outlet: 4 Fragrances to Soothe and Relax

Biker Jacket and Stone Heart: 4 Leather Fragrances for the Beginning of October

Bad Perfume Smell: What Can You Do About It?

How to choose a perfume for the summer? The best fragrances for hot days

Tiktok, train, ambroxan: we analyze the phenomenon of Baccarat Rouge 540 Maison Francis Kurkdjian

I’ll just eat you: the history of gourmand fragrances

How to choose the right fragrance for autumn?

Interesting selections

Unsweetened perfume for women

Fragrances for the office

Tobacco fragrances for men

The best fragrances for men according to women

The best sweet fragrances for women

Winter perfume for women over 30

Fresh fragrances for women

Inexpensive fragrances for men

Popular leather fragrances for women

Perfume for cold skin

Comments

Report material

Anastasia Privalova

08/19/2022 at 16:54

Sometimes the body responds to perfume with an allergic reaction. Whether it is possible to continue to use spirits in this case?

We smell when we breathe in chemical molecules with the air, for example from Chanel No. 5. In the nose, they are caught by receptors – olfactory sensory neurons of the mucous membrane. A person has 10-40 million of them. Molecules of different aromas activate different combinations of olfactory neurons to recognize odors. The impulse from them goes to the olfactory center of the brain, which processes information and we understand that we feel the aroma of lemon and iris.

The sense of smell provides information about changes in the chemical composition of the environment, warns of danger and helps to survive. Thanks to the smell, we throw out the rotten meat. And the smell of fried chicken will remind you of hunger. The more molecules of a substance enter the nose, the stronger and longer we smell. But the receptors gradually adapt. For example, if a person uses perfume constantly, he stops noticing their smell and because of this, he begins to spray too much perfume on himself. If you ride with such a person in an elevator, a strong smell will pinch your nose, and the aroma will haunt you even after going outside.

The perfume contains a mixture of fragrances and can cause allergies in some people. It can manifest as a skin rash, itching, tears, difficulty breathing, headache, and nausea. The list of allergens that cause reactions to perfumes and other cosmetics includes 26 aromatic substances, such as Peruvian balsam, oak moss and citronella. To confirm allergies to perfumes, special tests are carried out, which are prescribed by an allergist. Allergy to aromatic substances is in 1-3% of people. If you are allergic to perfumes, you can not use them, but you can choose a perfume that does not contain an allergen substance.

First you need to understand what kind of allergy you have and what it is for. It is worth remembering that some formulations can cause an individual reaction in the form of a slight reddening of the skin area where the perfume was applied. But often this is not considered a manifestation of an aggressive allergy. Redness is usually not accompanied by itching, burning, but it may be accompanied by a slight inflammation of the reddened area of ​​​​the skin. Symptoms pass quickly. Such a reaction can be, for example, to cinnamon oil, if the body is sensitive to it or its components. By the way, it is this activity (to identify dangerous and potentially allergenic materials) that is considered the main one by the IFRA organization, which is often accused of all perfumery sins and the murder of entire genres.

If the smell of perfume causes coughing, dizziness, headache or nausea, move to fresh air. Breathe deeply for a few minutes, exhaling through your nose to clear your nasal passages. If the skin is reddened and itchy, pour cold water over the area of ​​irritation for several minutes and gently blot with a tissue. Some areas, such as the neck, are more sensitive than others, so if the allergic reaction is rather mild, you can try using the fragrance on another part of the body. The safest points are: behind the earlobes, under the knees, on the crook of the elbow, on the chest and wrists. If perfume still causes irritation, but you still want to continue using it, then here’s the solution – moisten a cotton ball with perfume, dry it and put it in a bra.

If your allergy is not associated with mild, quickly disappearing and not uncomfortable redness, then you should consult an allergist to try to find the cause. Pay attention to which perfumes cause the reaction. If so, then these are probably the components included in most formulas. If only certain fragrances, then you should stop using them – at least until the cause of the allergy and its treatment are found. Do not forget that natural or artisanal perfumes that have not passed toxicological control and safety standards are much more dangerous than industrial ones. If you are allergic to your regular perfumes, then you should not switch to natural perfumes. To get started, consult a doctor and undergo therapy so as not to aggravate the condition of a weakened body.