Perfume Allergy

Perfume or fragrance allergy is second most popular cause of skin allergies, according to contact dermatitis expert, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki-Grant, form the Bay Dermatology Centre in Toronto.

Fragrance sensitivity can be defined as an irritation or an adverse reaction to chemicals in a perfume or other scented products such as air fresheners and cosmetics. Sensitivity to strong odors can make allergic people severely ill. People with asthma or other respiratory illness can be more susceptible to fragrance allergies compared to healthy individuals.

Symptoms of fragrance allergy

Sensitivities to perfumes or in general fragrances trigger various unpleasant reactions in people. Some common symptoms of perfume allergy include the following:

• mild to severe headache
• skin irritation, itching, and rashes
• sneezing, coughing and runny nose, also called allergic rhinitis
• breathing difficulties, dizziness, and fatigue
• muscle aches
• watery, red, and itchy eyes
• wheezing
• inability to concentrate
• swelling – or angioedema
• nausea and vomiting

Studies have shown that in people suffering from migraines, strong fragrances from perfumes or colognes can even trigger a migraine attack.

Fragrance chemicals in perfumes and other products

Perfumes contain a mix of several ingredients that include a complex blend of natural essences as well as synthetic chemicals. The average perfume or cologne contains about 14 secret chemical ingredients that are capable of triggering mild to severe allergic reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals.

People having widespread exposure to these sensitizing chemicals are at risk of contact sensitization to such fragrances. Many of these chemicals are highly unstable and readily oxidize during storage or on exposure to sunlight and air. These oxidation products act as phototoxic agents and potent sensitizers.

One such fragrance chemical, limonene is used in cleaning products as a solvent. It can not only break down and form potent sensitizers but also react with ozone generating hazardous pollutants such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, which pose serious risk of a variety of health concerns. Another commonly used fragrance chemical is linalool, a component of lavender oil.