Fragrance Allergies

An allergy or an allergic reaction can be considered as a disorder of the immune system, where it becomes hypersensitive and perceives even harmless substances like dust and pollen as foreign and harmful. So in order to destroy them, the immune system attacks them and in the process releases chemicals like histamine, that produces allergic reactions and causes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches, asthma, hives and skin rashes. The same set of symptoms may be experienced by some individuals in the presence of strong smells or fragrances, known as fragrance allergies or perfume allergies. So fragrance allergies specifically refers to the allergic reactions triggered by the fragrance found in a range of products including perfumes, soaps, detergents, candle, hair products, cosmetics, skin lotions and foods. Let's have a look at exactly what causes fragrance allergies.

Causes of Fragrance allergy

Though most of us tend to blame the fragrance for the allergic reactions produced, many experts believe that it is actually caused by the chemicals used for producing such fragrances. And so even unscented products, that use a host of chemicals to suppress the scent, can also produce such chemical allergies. However, it is very difficult to determine whether a particular or a combination of different chemicals cause fragrance allergies. Many experts also believe that many of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of such fragrant products are irritants. So skin rashes as well as breathing problems, are because of irritation caused by such chemicals and not allergic reactions.

Out of a large number of chemicals, only a few of them have been suspected to be associated with most of the allergies. They are cinnamonic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, alpha amyl cinnamic alcohol, hydroxycitronellal and oak moss absolute. These chemicals are mainly used in perfumes, deodorants, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, toothpaste, mouthwash, colognes, personal hygiene products, pharmaceutical creams and lotions. Even air fresheners can induce allergies or allergic reactions in individuals who are vulnerable to respiratory diseases. In addition to these chemicals like acetone, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benyldehyde, camphor, ethanol and ethyl acetate, may also cause irritation of the skin and respiratory tract.

Symptoms of Fragrance Allergy

The common fragrance allergy symptoms are similar to that of typical allergic reactions like sneezing, a runny nose, headaches, inability to concentrate, skin irritation like rashes, hives and eczema. It can also cause nausea and dizziness, breathing difficulties, asthma-like symptoms and irritation of the eyes and the nose. For some, these symptoms disappear once that particular smell or scent is out of range, while others are likely to experience more frequent, prolonged and severe symptoms with each repeated exposure.

Though the symptoms of fragrance allergy are same as the common allergic reactions produced by allergens like dust and pollen, experts think that considerable differences exist between these two types of allergies. In the case of common allergies, the immune system perceives the allergens as invaders and in order to destroy them, releases chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. On the other hand, fragrant materials are not protein based and are also too minute to be detected by the body. But when they come in contact with skin, they modify skin proteins by binding with them and the immune system mistakes such modified proteins for foreign substances. As a result, it attacks such proteins and causes an allergy.

The best way to prevent fragrance allergies is to avoid the particular substance. Along with perfumed products, non-scented products can also produce allergic reactions, as they often contain a number of chemicals in order to mask the scent. Therefore, it is important to try any new product on a small patch of skin for a few days to see if it causes an allergy. But if you are highly sensitive to fragrant products, it is better to visit a physician or a dermatologist to know more about allergy relief and the precautions to be followed in order to prevent the occurrence of fragrance allergy.