Many people react to scents with headaches, troubled breathing, nausea, or dizziness. Chemical additives hold a clue... and may be responsible for aromatherapy's bad name
Walk into any department store, soap boutique, or even décor and jewelry stores and you're more than likely to be overwhelmed with the scents of perfume, deodorizer, aromatherapy candles or fragrant potpourri loading the shelves. These scents may be harmless to some, while to others they present a real health hazard; allergies and sensitivities to fragrances are a health concern faced by many.
Why Do So Many People React to Perfume?
There are two primary reasons that adults and children may react to scents: the chemical ingredients present in fragrances, and the toxicity levels and health of their own bodies.
Chemicals in Fragrances
The most common source of reactions to perfume, cologne, hairspray, hand soap, potpourri, and room deodorizers is the chemical contents.
Most scents and perfumes sold today contain little to no actual plant perfumes; instead, they are concoctions of esters and other fragrant molecules that have been synthesized in a laboratory. Synthetic fragrances are common allergens, as are the potentially carcinogenic preservatives and fixatives that are added to most commercial scents.
Toxicity and Sensitivity
A secondary reason that some people react to fragrances – even natural ones – may be toxicity levels in their bodies.
Those who consume a diet high in processed foods, who are overweight, or who are (or have been) frequently exposed to chemicals such as formaldehyde, paint fumes, pesticides, or industrial cleaning products may find that their threshold for perfumes and other scents is low – and that they react more frequently with headache, sinus, or breathing problems to all kinds of smells.
People experiencing health problems related to the liver, colon, skin or lungs may also have more intense reactions to scents.
Avoiding Toxic Aromas
It may seem obvious that one of the simplest ways to prevent allergic reactions to perfume is to avoid it, but this can be a real challenge.
A few tips for minimizing scent-related allergies:
avoid shopping at times when supermarket aisles will be full of other customers
don't be afraid to speak up and ask someone to give you more space if their perfume is offensive; most people are aware of allergies and are willing to accommodate them
invitations to parties can be sent out with a note to avoid wearing hairspray, perfume or cologne
many choirs and other community groups have a no-scent policy; if yours doesn't, try explaining the need to the group or a coordinator
Essential Oils vs. Perfume… What's the Difference?
The explosion of aromatherapy spas and scented products in stores has done little to help those with serious scent allergies. Most aromatherapy products contain a chemical soup of additives, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that make even "natural" products suspect to those with real sensitivities.
There is a wide range in the quality of aromatherapy oils and products on the market today. Many are artificial junk, while some are the genuine product, offering real health benefits. When essential oils are truly pure and are processed without additives or solvents, even those with scent allergies and sensitivities are usually able to enjoy them without reactions.
Network News and Publications, "Rub A Dub, Dub… Is Cancer in Your Tub?" Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 1999.
The copyright of the article Perfume and Allergic Reactions in Aromatherapy is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Perfume and Allergic Reactions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I am extremly sensitive to perfumes,lotions room deodorizers and a bunch of
other scents. My husband knows this about me and continues to plug in room
deodorizers when ever he pleases knowing my sensitivity.I try explanning
this to him time and time again but, he tells me it's my imagination.Now I
am meeting other people that have the problem.What should I do about my
husband?
Sep 7, 2008 7:25 PM
Guest :
This article lacks any real scientific understanding. "may be
toxicity levels in their bodies." This clause has no meaning. Perfume allergies are often smell aversions. These have nothing to do
with processed foods or obesity. "The most common source of
reactions to perfume.... is the chemical contents." Is there
anything in perfumes (or our bodies) other than chemicals? No, there
is not.
Sep 16, 2008 9:06 AM
Guest :
While there are "smell adversions" there are those who really do
have very serious health reactions to perfumes and other chemicals. Perfume
is a chemical, and while some people do not want or have enough experience
with what your article is trying to project, it does contain some common
sense information. Those of you who want more sceintific information, it is
not that hard to find. I think the purpose of the article was not meant as
a science journal, but more of an informational overview.
For
the poster just above mine: Perfumes, room deodorizers and solvents all can
trigger allergic and asthma related problems. I think it is more that many
don't want to believe it, while others really know and suffer from it. Not
a choice...a fact.
Sep 19, 2008 6:58 AM
Guest :
I am not sure if I have an allergy to perfumes my dermatologist told me so
but that was without a test. I get dark spots on my neck and it sometimes
itch sometimes it even looks blotchy red. Can someone please help me
diagnose my problem. verkhal@mail.com
Oct 1, 2008 10:42 AM
Guest :
I am highly sensitive to perfume/cologne (scented lotions too) but I don't
have to smell it for it to cause a migraine or an asthma attack, I can be
sitting in my office and get that confused thinking, then sick, then the
migraine and later find out someone was in the front office (away from
mine) with it on, but I never smelled it, but the chemicals from the scent
float in the air and still make it to me. I have tried every cure I have
read about and currently seeing a neurologist taking yet more meds to try
to stop the migraines because my coworkers still wear it even though the
company has asked them not to. I have even asked coworkers directly to no
avail, or hear them say "oh I'm not wearing anything today, but I can
walk into a room after them and know they were there! That is not natural
body odor I assure you.
Oct 14, 2008 5:26 AM
Guest :
I cannot believe that someone claims it's just an aversion. Such
insensitive, ignorant people are a problem for people with a real problem
to the chemicals in these "fragrances". One does not get dizzy,
migraines, nausea, etc. from an aversion. Some smells literally knock me
off my feet. I have to run outside and sit down because I instantly get a
severe headache, my face swells and feels like someone hit it with a
baseball bat, and I get dizzy. It takes a while to clear. I wish
people/stores, etc. were more sensitive to this. On the other hand, as my
boyfriend points out, the insensitive people will probably eventually
develop cancer, leukemia, etc. from exposing themselves to all these
chemicals. So, in a way, I consider myself lucky. Internal toxicity has
everything to do with this. Before I became ill after being exposed to a
pesiticide, I ignorantly used these chemical fragrances. I loved them.
Oct 25, 2008 1:12 AM
Guest :
Its so horrible. I have it. It started in a perfume part of a department
store I used to frequent one day I started sneezing alot I ignored it then
I got really sick my lungs hurt, My eyes burnt then the fever came on and
four days I couldnt move. It happened again when I got stuck in a place
with alot of perfume/cologne. I got so sick I had to go to a hotel and
collapse for three days I just lay there suffering. Everyone says it's mind
over matter. How cruel.
Dec 8, 2008 4:07 PM
Guest :
I actually get a blood sugar shift when exposed to room air fresheners. I
would have a "normal" reaction of severe sore throat and headache
within minutes of the exposure. Then I realized I was getting a delayed
reaction a day after the exposure, which included nausea, and an odd
tingling of my lips and roof of my mouth. I used my husband's blood sugar
tester, and found that my blood sugar (which is normally low) would drop
even lower, about 24 hours after the exposure. So I would go from a blood
sugar reading of 85 to one of 60 to 70.
I'm sure a skeptical
person would think that it is just a coincidence. But it is a coincidence
that has now happened consistently the last six times I had to be in a
person's house, where air fresheners were being used. The question would
then be, what is actually happening to cause the blood sugar to drop? Of
that, I have no idea.
Jan 10, 2009 10:42 PM
Guest :
My heart goes out to all of you. I too suffer from the wonderful world of
perfume and everything else that puts off any smell. People all around me
are aware of my problems. Some really don't understand or they just don't
care, I'm not sure of which one. At least my husband and children are
"Smell" free for me. As for the husband, I'd like to smack him
for you. I can't believe him. He needs to understand that we
"Wish" it was our imaginations! I get a headache and sick
wherever I go. If I leave my house I can plan on a headache. Good luck to
everyone, I am reading everything to try to figure out something to
help.
Mar 11, 2009 5:15 PM
Guest :
Like all of you, I am sensitive to all of the mentioned items. It is so
difficult to deal with. I too get the numbness or tingling in my lips and
gums. I also have trouble with my husband, he continues to use the products
he wishes even though I get very sick. I also can relate to the person who
posted about being in another room and not specifically smelling the
chemical causing the problem, this happens to me every day. Going to work
is a challenge, I work in a big office building and most people really
don't care that I can't be around perfumes, deodorizers and such. Heart
palpitations are another big symptom of mine, does anyone know if they
could be related to all the other symptoms or be part of the sensitivities?
I read about preservatives and sodium possibly causing the same symptoms,
also I did read something about toxic buildup, I am hoping to find more
information. I am desperate for anything that might help any of us!! Please
send an email if anyone has found any helpful information or just chat
about common symptoms to wyldrose88@msn.com
Apr 20, 2009 6:09 AM
Guest :
Morna’s Experience - On Thursday 4/9/09 was the first time I experienced
being allergic to any chemicals. It happened at the Oakwood Adventist
Academy when someone announced that they smelled fumes in the library. As
I was calling 911 and giving them directions to our Academy I became weak
and light headed, then loss the strength in my body. I also loss the use
of my speech, but I did not become unconscious. An ambulance was called
and I was taken to Emergency at the Huntsville Hospital. I was given
oxygen in the ambulance and during my stay at the hospital.
I
was there for approximately 4 hours and my voice and strength returned, so
they told me to follow up with my primary doctor, dismissed me and I
returned home. For the next 3 days I was able to function at 100%. I
returned to work on Tuesday, 4/14/09 and was exposed to nail polish remover
- 2 students came to the front desk to ask for the remover, and I had a
reaction of being overcome with the smell, so I ran out of the building to
get some fresh air. The ambulance was called, but I refused to go to the
hospital.
On Wednesday 4/15/09 was the appointment with my
primary doctor. When she came into the room and I gave her my written
experience with the allergic reaction, she said that acetone does not make
someone react in that way, so she said that I probably have “Coronary Heart
Disease”. She ordered me to go to the hospital that same day to have an
MRI, CAT SCAN, CHEST X-RAY, STRESS TEST. The tests did not reveal anything
out of the ordinary. I was dismissed on Friday 4/17/09. Now I am
researching information on the why’s, how’s, other people’s reactions to
this allergic reaction to these chemicals. Thanks for info you may have to
help me. Mornbat@aol.com
May 18, 2009 2:54 AM
Guest :
I have the reaction of loosing my voice when I come in contact with a scent
and now it is happening when I eat certain foods. I don't seem to be able
to find a solution and have been to many doctors. I cannot breathe when
this happens. Thought this site might give me some answers as the doctors
cannot figure it out. If anyone has the same problem would love to know of
a solution. Nice to see that there is reractions to perfumes as most time
people think your are just pretending.
May 18, 2009 3:00 AM
Guest :
Mornbat@aol.com, I hear you, I have had the same problem for over 3 years.
I have seen speech pathologists, had every test done possible to no avail.
When I loose my voice, it is gone until the next day. People do not take
it seriously and think you are just pretending, most doctors do also. Mine
has now gone one step further, when I eat certain foods the same thing
happens but have been told over and over again that it is not an allergic
reaction.
May 23, 2009 2:00 PM
Guest :
I am glad I found this page, I am very sensitive to Perfumes of any sort, I
never use to be as I use to wear it myself, but over the last ten years or
so I notice if I walk in a room I can sell perfumes straight away, I really
hate it, even now in a supermarkets I do not go down the washing powder and
soap Ilse they make me cough, perfumes makes my voice go very deep them
breathing is hard until I get away from the smell, many people do not
understand they really don't. They should print on the perfume bottles
use searingly, as it can be cause allergies to other's
Aug 8, 2009 7:35 AM
Guest :
I also have a problem with scents. When my allergies are bad I tend to
have a greater sensitivity to scents. I seem to be able to smell scents
before anyone else can. I immediately start to lose my voice and get the
heavyness in my chest. I have asked co-workers to avoid using anything
with scents but they just say they do not have anything on. I truly feel
they do not know that it just doesn't affect us when they are close to us
but the problems last for a prolonged period of time. I do think we need
to educate people as to prefume and scented lotions is as bad as second
hand smoke.
Aug 25, 2009 5:31 AM
Guest :
Some doctors offices now prohibit people from using strong scents in their
offices. But WHAT ABOUT SCHOOLS? My daughter's school prohibits streaking
your hair different colors because it interferes with learning. My son has
asthma, and the kids on the bus and at school wear perfume, cologne, and
body sprays. The teachers use scented lysol and potpourri. He shouldn't
have to be on four medications so that people can smell pretty. And as
for allergies being in my head, my instant INABILITY TO BREATHE in the
presence of Polo cologne is not imagination. It is dangerous!
Aug 27, 2009 10:47 AM
Guest :
I am also highly sensitive to scented products, particularly perfume and
cologne but it seems only certain ones. I work in an office with a 'no
scent' policy and there are signs on the door/walls but it doesn't prevent
people from wearing it - they think a little will not be noticed but they
don't realize when you are so sensitive even the smallest amount can cause
a reaction and I can usually smell it when most others can't. I get
terrible sinus headaches and that 'spacey' feeling. Since I work in
accouting it's important to be able to concentrate on what I'm doing and
not feel that confusion. I'm happy that the public is becoming more aware
but it doesn't seem to be enough, not certain how we can convince people
this is a serious subject. I'm also allergic to dogs and this office is
'dog friendly', sometimes we have 4 or more dogs in here at once. I'm now
seriously considering leaving this place even though I only have a few more
years to work before I can retire.
Aug 29, 2009 8:37 AM
Guest :
I have had problems my entire life although I wasn't aware of it until I
was older and started putting two and two together. I struggled all
through school and still have problems grasping information and with
concentration and memory. I work in the medical field and the hospital
system I work for has put in a plasma are filter in the room I share with
another co-worker and I have a small system I wear around my neck when I go
up to work with the other employees and when I'm around the patients. My
co-workers know the problem I have and continue to say they aren't wearing
any perfumes or colognes. They say, it's probably my fabric softener.
Well, it probably is along with the scented detergent they wash there
clothes in, the body wash they showered in, the shampoos and conditions,
gels and hairsprays they use. Their antipersperants/deodorants are a hugh
problem for me. Degree products are some of the worst and the reactions I
get from being around most people is debilitating. My husband and I walk
for exercise and I get quite ill from fertilizers and even the scented
dryer sheets people are using that put caustic chemicals in the air. I am
convinced that these products including air fresheners that people use in
their homes, scented candles, etc.. are what is causing learning disabilies
in our children and the increase in autism and other neurological
problems-parkinsons, ms and even premature ahlsheimers. The perfume
industry is huge and no one will be able to stop this. Has anyone found an
allergist who hasn't dismissed this saying there isn't anything they can do
for you? If anyone has had success with anything or any health care
provider who has been able to help, please post your information. I think
we need to band together to get this information out. I would love to hear
whether anyone as had success with government legislation or even polices
at work that really helped. Isn't it interesting the right above where I
am posting this note there are Ads selling products like UltraDowny April
Fresh and Fragrance Clearance Sales. Has anyone gone after these companies
that are making us all so ill?
Oct 5, 2009 7:50 PM
Guest :
I have worked in a Dr's office for 12 years the first bad reaction I had
was at home my son broke a bottle of wind-song perfume. I ended up on a
ambulance to the hospital. I thought I was having a heart attach. The next
was a few days ago I was at work with all the RN's and Dr's there. A new
maid sprayed something on the elevator. My blood pressure dropped way down
and I turned red all over. The Dr I work for took me himself to the ER. I
had to have drips to get back stable. It was scary. I didn't even know you
could have such a reaction for a smell. But the ER Dr told me different. I
was so glad to find out what had been happening to me in the past. It only
gets worse . It made a believer out of me and my coworkers now understand
not to wear that around me.
Oct 11, 2009 7:37 PM
Guest :
BENEDRYL is my lifeline, and in severe cases primatene Mist. I have
anaphalactic reactions since I was a teenager. It's no joke, it's not fun
and it happens fast. Your body changes all the time and your allergies
change too. I have liquid benedryl in my purse and unfortuately use it
often. I really try to avoid shopping in areas known for purfume. It's
really difficult to shop during the holidays. Online shopping isn't much
fun, but it keeps me from ambulances and hospitals! Try anahistamines - it
might work for you as well. But always get out of exposures as soon as
possible and don't return to it.
Oct 16, 2009 9:29 AM
Guest :
It is SO awsome to read your comments and know that I am not alone. I have
so many of the symptoms that are talked about here. I KNOW that I have a
problem, but as you have all found the Dr.s don't get it. My immediate
family is great though and at least my house is a haven of scentlessness.
Some people try to be good by not spraying when they are going to be around
me, but their clothing is so scented from previous use, deoderant, and
laundry products that even they are a problem to be around. For me it is a
cumulative thing. One scent may not be a huge problem, but after a while I
realize that I am really not doing very well. It is so frustrating because
people get offended when you say that their scents are a problem. They
won't understand until it is them who can't think, or breath because of the
smell. I can't be outside in my 1/2 acre yard when the neighbors do laundry
because of their dryer sheets, and going to church is really becoming a
problem. Shopping is also a problem. Method cleaners, the free and clear is
awsome because there is NO scent at all and it is reasonably priced.
My newest allergist said that my lips/tongue tingle because I am
breathing too hard... but I often know there is an "air problem"
long before I can smell it because of the tingling.
I am having
problems with a very heavy feeling in my chest when I have had too much
exposure and it is scaring me. I just got checked for asthma though and I
don't have it. So how come I feel like I can't breath when I have been
exposed to some chemicals? How can I get help when the Dr.s don't get what
is wrong? It is frustrating when they don't understand what is wrong. It is
really comforting to know that I am not the only one with these issues. I think that the woman whose husband puts in deoderizers should just keep
throwing them out whenever she sees them, and throw out his deoderants,
etc. Buy something that doesn't bother you and make that available. Air
Therapy doesn't bother me, maybe it would be good for you. It is made of
orange peels. You can get it at most health food stores. Good luck.
I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but THANK YOU for
giving me a place to tell a part of my story.
Nov 7, 2009 1:46 AM
Guest :
Thanks people for sharing your stories. It is comforting to find I am not
alone - although I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Becoming ill from scents is
such a big part of my life and the more I open my mouth and try to explain
to others the more I fear they will think I am imagining things -which they
usually do. So, ordinarily I try not to explain except briefly, but it is
lonely and it hurts to be invalidated. I would like to respond to the
person who wonders why their blood sugar drops. I have low blood sugar
myself which I have learned to keep in check through proper diet. But when
exposed to an allergy it gets low, I think, because of the stress my body
is going though. As well, this is psychologically stressful. Generally
when I get exposed to a perfume, cologne, dryer exhaust, or other scent, it
seems to trigger a dominos effect: I get confused, lose memory function,
feel fatigued and sick whith an accompanying nervousness (I think because
my adrenaline is attempting to fight it off). Then it shifts to added
symptoms of low blood sugar. Often when this happens I may be working and
trying to function inspite of what is happening as well as keeping up an
appearance (because I don't think that others will understand)which makes
it all that much more stressful. It's not long before I am worn out and
realize it is showing through: I am appearing pretty stupified, and maybe
people think I am on drugs or drunk and so up goes the psychological stress
and in comes some anxiety. I think, "It's time to explain. But don't
go on too much with the low blood sugar stuff or the allergies or this
person will become another amature doctor and tell you it's all in your
head. The worst experience I have had is with "Resolve"
resulting in the most terrible headache which increases by the moment that
becomes so unbearable and I have to get away. Glade Neutralizer is
one I can handle with no problems. I have had some degree of success
in becoming less sensitive to a number of scented items using a couple
omega 3 fatty oil tablets (fish oils or fish: salmon, sardines) and a
tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil on a daily basis.
Jun 12, 2008
