Perfume Allergies 101

We can collectively agree that perfume allergies are the worst. After all, how can something that smells so beautiful cause problems? Sadly, it could happen to anyone. Thus, it’s important to stay informed about the symptoms, remedies, and everything in between so that we do not feel absolutely hopeless when faced with perfume allergies.

What is perfume allergy?

Any kind of perfume or fragrance allergy is triggered in the body after it is exposed to a product containing an allergen. Reactions vary from person to person because we are all allergic to different things. Your best friend’s favourite perfume can trigger an allergic reaction in your body.Coming into contact with the perfume you are allergic to or touching an aromatic substance that contains an allergen will lead to symptoms of fragrance allergy. However, in rare cases, symptoms can even be triggered if you inhale a scent that contains an allergen you are particularly sensitive to.

Difference between allergy and sensitivity

It is important that you are able to distinguish between perfume allergy and perfume sensitivity so you can treat yourself correctly.For allergies, the immune system has a specific response to a particular ingredient in the perfume. Once the body identifies the ingredient in question as a foreign substance, it immediately has an inflammatory reaction to help fight it off. This reaction usually takes place over a few days. In most cases, the allergy manifests itself on the skin as itchiness or a rash. Allergy symptoms tend to last for weeks at a time.On the other hand, perfume sensitivity is the body’s immediate reaction upon being exposed to an irritant. The immune system does not initiate a body-wide response. Instead, one may get a rash or a mild headache, both of which disappear in a few hours.Allergies are more serious than sensitivities, so you must try to avoid the former as much as possible. If you are indeed allergic to synthetic chemical ingredients, you can get a medical test done to identify the specific allergens so you can avoid them in perfumes.

Symptoms of fragrance allergies

In most cases, fragrance allergies manifest themselves on the skin as itchy red rashes that may disappear after a while. However, that is not all. There are other mild symptoms that you can look out for to identify an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that the symptoms may even last for weeks if you are particularly susceptible to that allergen.

• Itchiness or irritation even in the absence of a proper rash
• Irritation and tingling around sensitive areas of the face, like the eyes and the mouth
• Dry blisters filled with pus forming on the skin
• Sudden hives breakout and spread
• Skin is red, irritated, and warm to the touch even when it is not itchy
• Heightened sensitivity to sunlight
• Repeated sneezing after a perfume is sprayed close to your face
• Congested, itchy, or runny nose
• Headaches and nausea

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms after getting exposed to a particular scented product, beware. While you may want to give it a second try later on to know for sure that it was indeed the perfume that set off the reaction, resist until you feel significantly better. Consult a doctor and allow them to run a test if necessary.Fragrance allergies can also lead to serious repercussions that may affect you for extended periods. They are not as common, but they are dangerous. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms after smelling a scented product, do not hesitate to opt for medical intervention.

• Serious allergic reactions are accompanied by heavy swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth. It becomes very difficult to breathe, talk, and eat with the face being this swollen.
• Anaphylaxis usually occurs when inflamed nostrils passages narrow down, causing the body to produce excessive amounts of an antibody known as IgE. If you ever experience this condition, visit the emergency at your nearest hospital as soon as possible.

How to treat fragrance allergies?

Medical intervention is of the utmost importance if you do not want your allergies to get worse. Irrespective of whether your symptoms are mild or serious, you should not waste any time when it comes to treating the problem, or else it could get worse. However, make sure that you consult a doctor and have them approve the treatment.

• If you are struggling with an itchy and stuffy nose, you may take antihistamines for relief. You can purchase them at any store that sells over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Some stores will require you to procure a doctor’s prescription.
• Corticosteroid creams and other similar steroid creams can be applied topically for temporary relief.
• For soothing irritation and inflammation, you can opt for an oatmeal compress or bath.
• In case you do not want to apply any medicine immediately, you can use a moisturizing cream or lotion that does not have artificial components or compounds.

Living with a fragrance allergy

Once you discover that you suffer from perfume allergies, it is important to be proactive. You can consider undergoing allergen testing to identify the exact trigger. It will be easier for you to avoid the offending chemicals after that. Look out for that ingredient in any future perfume you purchase and stay away from it. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Natural, plant-based perfumes are an excellent alternative for chemical-laden fragrances.
• Try to stay away from public areas where you suspect people may have applied a lot of perfumes. If you are close to someone who is wearing a perfume that may trigger you, chances are that your body will have an immediate reaction.
• If you want to steer clear of all kinds of airborne allergens, an air purifier is the way to go. It will ensure that the air around you stays pure and fresh at all times.
• In case you notice that you have an allergic reaction to several scented products, cut out all kinds of fragrance to help your body cleanse. It will be fairly difficult at first if you love fragrance, but your body will thank you.

Perfume Allergies at the Work Place

This may seem excessive, but it is absolutely okay to go the extra mile when it comes to your health. Tell everyone about your sensitivities and request them to be considerate.Not everyone is comfortable telling others about their perfume allergies at the work place. After, your colleague has the right to wear a perfume, right? However, if someone is wearing a fragrance that is basically causing you discomfort, you should tell them. If it doesn’t work, you may talk to your employer about the problem and ask them to solve the issue.

Conclusion

Fragrance allergies are difficult to live with. You may feel that they are limiting you from something that you genuinely love. However, your health should always be a priority. To ensure that you can wear perfumes you love without the fear of an allergic reaction, you have to be careful about what you apply and monitor your reaction.