You Might Be Allergic To Your Perfume If This Happens

Our perfume is understandably personal to us. It's what we've chosen to smell like, and it represents an impression we're making on others. Sometimes, the spritz we give ourselves while running out the door is all that was needed to make us feel more ready for the day. That is why it may be alarming if you are having certain symptoms and believe the new perfume you are wearing might be the culprit. Here is what to look out for if you are suspecting a perfume allergy.

If you've noticed you are having a physical reaction to your perfume or to someone else's scent around you, then don't assume it's probably just you. In fact, a study shown via Everyday Health from the University of West Georgia found that nearly 30 percent of its participants reported being sensitive to scented products, with perfume being one of the tested examples. Also, 19 percent claimed their health was actually affected by the assaulting scent.

Tracie DeFreitas Saab, MS, a human factors consultant with the Job Accommodation Network at West Virginia University, tells WebMD how avoiding a perfume allergy can be difficult. "Scent sells," she says. "So not only are there definitely more fragranced products in the world, the fragrances themselves are also more complex. And for many people, repeated exposures can bring about a constellation of symptoms." 

The symptoms of a perfume allergy include headaches, sneezing, itching eyes, and feeling dizzy. Sometimes a person can even break out in hives or another type of skin rash. Healthline lists some of the more severe reactions to be swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue, or anaphylaxis — a condition where the airways become so inflamed it becomes difficult to breathe and can be fatal.

Another issue is that it can be hard to diagnose what exactly it is in the perfume you are having a poor reaction to. This is because companies are allowed to take the (potentially) hundreds of compounds used to create a scent and simplify the ingredients list down to writing "fragrance" on the bottle, claims Healthline.

So, if you are experiencing any mild symptoms of a perfume allergy listed above, then step away from the bottle. If it is any of the more severe symptoms, then seek medical attention immediately. And if you're lucky to be enjoying your new perfume reaction-free, then that's fantastic! Just remember to use it sparingly, as others around you might not be so lucky.