Fragrance oil is one items important in supporting appearance and increasing one's self-confidence. However, some people can experience an allergic reaction to perfume,such as headaches, sneezing, to skin rashes. This reaction is triggered by contact with perfumed oils, either by inhaling the aroma or consequence direct exposure to the skin.
Medical rules refer to such a condition as a perfume allergy, or a hypersensitivity condition to perfumed oils and the ingredients contained in perfumed oils. There are at least 5000 more different fragrances in use today, and as many as more than 2 million people who are affected by it.
Not only perfume, you are also likely to have an allergic reaction or be sensitive to the fragrances around, such as cosmetics, hair spray, shampoo, bath soap, face wash, detergent, and air freshener.
For perfume itself, a study tried to examine the content of various perfumed products. The result was found about 10 chemicals associated with allergic reactions, such as itchy skin, sneezing and asthma. In addition, 12 kinds of chemicals that have the potential to cause hormonal disturbances were also found, such as tonalide, diethyl phthalate, and benzyl benzoate. according to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrances are considered as one of the main causes of contact dermatitis due to cosmetic exposure.
Signs of an Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Fragrances
If you have allergies or are too sensitive to fragrances, here are the symptoms that can arise from using perfumed oils:
- Itchy red rash on the skin
- Headache
- sneeze
- runny nose
- Difficult to breathe
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Watery eyes
How to Overcome Hypersensitivity to Fragrances
Antihistamines and corticosteroids can effectively treat allergy symptoms caused by a perfume allergy. However, the best key to controlling the condition is to avoid using it and reduce your exposure to perfumed oils. Here's how:
- Understand the scent that makes you sensitive. If necessary, record the date of the incident and the location where you were sensitive to the odor. The goal is to find out which scent triggers that sensitivity.
- If there is a smell that triggers your sensitivity in the environment around your home or office, ask for their understanding to move away from the source of the smell.
- If you are in a room where there is a fragrance that makes you sensitive, use a fan to quickly dissipate the scent.
- If you're walking around in a place that smells good, like a perfume shop at the mall, wear a nose cover.
- Consult a doctor and ask for medication to deal with excessive sensitivity to perfume. Don't forget to ask for recommendations for fragrance-free body care products.
If you are a sensitive person or are allergic to perfumes and fragrances, try to choose products labeled 'unscented' to minimize the risk of an allergic or sensitivity reaction.
