Why do Perfumes Cause Allergies?

Numerous studies have brought to light that deodorant and perfume fragrances can be a respiratory threat to at least one percent of the population. In fact, the allergens can be severe enough to cause an asthma attack in some. The most common symptoms of perfume allergy are nausea, vomiting, headache, a tingling sensation on the skin or even joint and/or muscle aches.

Why do Perfumes Cause Allergies?
An allergic reaction is identified as being an abnormal reaction of the immune system against a substance or allergen, perceiving it to be harmful to the body. Similarly, perfume allergy is related to respiratory discomfort caused by the immune system’s reaction against an allergen contained in the fragrance of perfumes or deodorants, that ultimately becomes visible in the form of the symptoms like rash, nausea, etc.

The most common allergens identified in perfumes and/or fragrances are benzyl alcohol and anisyl alcohol. Otherwise, natural ingredients like clove or cinnamon oil can cause severe allergic reactions in people.

Kinds of Perfume Allergies
Some experts have classified perfume allergies into the following types:

• Direct contact with the substance or allergens
• Allergies caused due to fragrance in the air
• Allergies caused due to airborne particles of the perfume itself

The first one explains the products or more precisely the toiletries we use , which may contain unfavorable substances and/or allergens. Experts say this kind of perfume allergy is easy to deal with as one can get rid of the products like shampoo, perfume, conditioner, etc.

The second, that is, fragrance allergies on account of scents present in the air are situational and are short-lived. For example, someone who is wearing a perfume that you cannot tolerate in the office or a fragrance at a store, that you may be passing by.

The third kind of fragrance or perfume allergy can be unavoidable because it means extreme sensitivity to the airborne particles of a perfume. Under such conditions, you can become more helpless to perfume allergies almost on an everyday basis. The most common symptoms of an acute case of perfume allergy are — dizziness, vomiting tendency, chest congestion, sore throat, cough or simply passing out.

As an increased number of products are coming into the market with varied chemical formulations and fragrances, it is difficult to assume which one would affect you. It is the need of humans which is making life difficult for the few perfume allergy sufferers. Read labels well before purchasing your toiletries — soaps, detergents, shampoos, cleansers, room fresheners, deodorants, etc that can make you wheeze and cough in no time.

Consult a doctor for the slightest of sensitivity experienced towards perfumes and/or fragrances. Patch test, skin prick test and blood test are some common procedures for detecting an allergy towards a perfume allergen. Never say you smell something fishy again; you may end up holding your nose, throat or head after that!

Symptoms and Signs of Perfume Allergy

The symptoms depend on the intensity of the allergy and how an individual’s body reacts to a perfume. Some common symptoms are:

• Runny nose and Itchy eyes
• Muscle pain and/or headaches
• Tingling of the skin and/or lips
• Coughing, wheezing, loss of voice or breath
• Nausea
• Respiratory irritation in people with asthma
• Hives, eczema and dermatitis
• Anaphylactic Shock

Common Reaction-causing Chemicals:

• Hydroxynitrilase
• Geraniol
• Eugenol
• Cinnamaldehyde
• Cinnamic alcohol