Perfume is one of the important items in supporting one's appearance and enhancing one's confidence. However, some people can experience allergic reactions to perfume, such as headaches, sneezing, until skin rashes appear. This reaction is triggered by contact with perfume, either by inhalation of the aroma or by direct exposure to the skin.
Medical rules refer to such conditions as perfume allergy, or hypersensitivity to perfume oils and ingredients contained in perfume. There are at least 5,000 more different fragrances in use today, and as many as more than 2 million people are affected by it.
Not only perfume, you are also likely to experience allergic reactions or sensitive to fragrances that are around, for example cosmetics, hair spray, shampoo, bath soap, facial wash soap, detergents, and air freshener.
For fragrance oil itself, a study tried to examine the content of various perfume products. The result is found about 10 chemicals associated with allergic reactions, such as itchy skin, sneezing and asthma. In addition, 12 kinds of chemicals were found that could potentially cause hormonal disorders, such as tonalide, diethyl phthalate and benzyl benzoate. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is considered as one of the main causes of contact dermatitis due to cosmetic exposure.
Signs of Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Fragrance Oils
If you have allergies or are too sensitive to fragrances, the following symptoms can arise from using perfume:
- Red itchy rash on the skin
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Shortness in the chest
- Watery eyes
How to Overcome Hypersensitivity to Fragrances
Antihistamines and corticosteroids can effectively treat allergic symptoms due to fragrance oil allergies. However, the best key to controlling this condition is to avoid using it and reduce exposure to perfume. Here's how:
- Understand the true aroma that makes you sensitive. If necessary, record the date of the incident and the location where you felt sensitive to the odors. The aim is to find out the aroma that triggers that sensitivity.
- If there is a scent that triggers your sensitivity in the environment around your home or office, ask for their understanding to keep the aroma source away.
- If you are in a room with fragrances that make you sensitive, use a fan so that the scent quickly disappears.
- If you are walking in a fragrant place, such as a perfume shop in a mall, use a nose mask.
- Consult with your doctor and ask for medication to overcome the excessive sensitivity to perfume. Don't forget to ask for recommendations for fragrance-free body care products.
If you are a sensitive person or allergic to fragrances and fragrances, try to choose products that are labeled 'not containing fragrance' to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction or sensitivity.
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