A fragrance allergy can be an allergic reaction caused by chemicals used in fragrances. These reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to substances it identifies as harmful, even though they may be safe for most people.
Common Symptoms of fragrance allergies can include:
- Nausea, sickness, headaches, anxiety or panic attacks, unable to concentrate, focus or breathe, and other triggers.
- Skin Reactions: Redness, itching, hives, eczema, and rashes.
- Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma symptoms. Eye Irritation: Red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Common Triggers:
🫴Perfumes and aftershaves
🫴Deodorants
🫴Soaps and shampoos
🫴Cosmetics (makeup, lotions, creams)
🫴Household cleaning products and toilet rolls. [Yes, I know.]
🫴Candles, Air fresheners, Sprays, Diffusers.
Some allergenic ingredients in the perfumes can also include:
🫴Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol Geraniol, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin and more.
I can’t use specific essential oils, such as tea tree lavender, eucalyptus, citronella and some strong woody essential oils either. But I’m ok with certain organic rose essential oils, aloe etc.
Diagnosing a fragrance allergy typically involves:
👉️Drs appointment: symptoms and exposure to potential allergens.
👉️Patch Testing at hospital: Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin under adhesive patches to check for reactions.
👉️The most effective way to manage a fragrance allergy is by avoiding known triggers. This involves:
👉️Using fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products.
👉️Reading product labels carefully.
👉️Using items labelled ‘fragrance-free’ containing no artificial fragrances or perfumes, “unscented” but confirming they do not contain masking fragrances.
👉️Creating a fragrance-free environment at home and work.
Life with a fragrance allergy
💫Living with a fragrance allergy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting physical comfort and social interactions due to the widespread use of fragrances in public spaces.
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Resources: UK:
- Allergy UK
- BSACI The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology
- National Eczema Association
- British Skin Foundation
- Asthma UK
- Anaphylaxis Campaign
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