An allergy to perfumes can occur in any person, regardless of age and gender. Symptoms of an allergic reaction do not always appear immediately after using perfume. The ailment can be cumulative and occur after prolonged use of toilet water, perfume or deodorant.
Causes
There are several reasons for the development of an allergic reaction to perfume. The main one is a genetic predisposition associated with intolerance to one or more components of perfumes. If it is a fixative or alcohol, then an allergic reaction will manifest itself in almost all perfumes, because these elements are contained in many compositions. If the reaction arises to aromatic oil or another active substance, then only those perfumes in which these components are contained will be allergic. Preservatives and artificial flavors have a very aggressive effect on human skin, so they can also cause the development of an allergic reaction.
An allergy to perfume smells arises from the effects of components on the sensitive respiratory organs. A cheap perfume contains artificial aromatic substances that give it a special smell. It is the smell, not the aroma. Therefore, with excessive use of such perfumes, an allergic reaction occurs. With a constant attack of artificial, highly odorous βaromasβ, a protective reaction of the body is triggered, which manifests itself in the form of an allergy.
Allergy-causing components
The composition of the perfume includes many components. They can be synthetic, plant and animal origin. Animal pheromones are used in the manufacture of expensive perfumes. They are the main allergens. Components of animal origin that can cause an allergic reaction are as follows:
- The active substance is ambergris (produced in the intestines of a male sperm whale). In perfumery it is used as an odor fixer.
- Musk (produced by some male animals to mark their territory). This component is used in the male perfume line as a fixative and odor enhancer.
- Castoreum (beaver stream) is used as an aroma fixer.
- Civet. It is cleansed for musky odor. The substance prevails in oriental flavors.
If an allergic reaction is caused by one of these components, then you can look for substitutes with synthetic substances in the composition.
Many women prefer a perfume with a floral aroma. Natural plant materials are quite expensive. Therefore, it is replaced with artificial. The composition of perfumes that cause allergies can include the following components: lavender, iris, citrus fruits, jasmine, rose, sandalwood. When choosing a perfume, it is important to take into account the fact that partial replacement can be used in its production: natural components are diluted with synthetic ones. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully read the composition.
Symptomatology
So, how is an allergy to perfume? The main symptoms are:
- sneezing
- redness of the eyes;
- difficulty breathing
- the development of allergic rhinitis (copious discharge of nasal mucus);
- allergic cough;
- itching and burning on the skin.
The patient may have skin rashes in the form of red spots or pimples with contact allergy to perfumes (photo below).
Depending on the strength of the development of the reaction, the above symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways, be minor and not cause discomfort, or very strong, disrupting the usual course of life. An allergy to perfumes can cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and even vomiting. The patient may complain of stomach pain, chills, fever, and nausea.
Dangerous symptoms
Dangerous symptoms of a perfume allergy are Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. The first causes swelling of the mucous membranes, as a result of which they overlap, and a person can not breathe. This is fatal. Anaphylactic shock threatens with great weakness, a drop in pressure, severe nausea and dizziness. This condition is considered very dangerous, therefore, at the first suspicion, it is necessary to call an ambulance and take an antihistamine.
Treatment
Could there be an allergy to perfume? Is there a method that can permanently relieve the ailment? Doctors answer this question in the negative. It is impossible to completely cure allergies (especially caused by a genetic predisposition). First of all, it is necessary to pass samples that show which components in the composition of the perfume caused an allergic reaction. The most important treatment is to avoid the use of perfumes and other perfumes containing allergens. More difficult is the reaction to the smell of perfume. You will have to ask all family members not to use perfumes, which include components that cause allergies. But you will not ask strangers about this. An allergic reaction can develop anywhere: by public transport or institution.
Drug therapy
After the allergen is identified and the general condition of the body is assessed, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. First of all, he will give recommendations on the choice of perfumes and cosmetics, prescribe a specific diet. In addition, antihistamines will be prescribed to the patient. The following medicines are prescribed for the treatment of perfume allergies:
- "Tavegil";
- "Suprastin";
- "Zodak";
- "Tsetrin";
- Claritin.
The above drugs have a side effect in the form of a sedative effect. Therefore, for some people they will be contraindicated due to the scope of activity. If the allergic reaction is local in nature, that is, it manifests itself in the form of rashes on the skin, the doctor may prescribe an antihistamine ointment or cream without perfume. For general strengthening of the body, the patient is prescribed multivitamins. With the development of a strong allergic reaction, the use of hormonal drugs is possible. All medicines and the duration of the course of treatment are prescribed by the doctor.
Physiotherapy
To restore the strength of the body and improve overall well-being, the patient is prescribed the following physiotherapeutic procedures:
- UHF;
- infrared therapy;
- salt rooms;
- magnetotherapy.
At the same time as treatment, the doctor recommends a certain diet, as some foods can cause cross allergies.
Folk recipes
In the absence of a strong allergic reaction without difficulty breathing, alternative medicine is possible. It is based on the use of plant components. Folk recipes for the treatment of allergies to perfumes are as follows:
- Nettle infusion. It is prepared from dried leaves of a plant. To make a healthy drink, you need to take one tablespoon of nettle and pour it with one glass of boiling water, then leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes.
- Infusion from the series. For cooking, you need three tablespoons of the plant. They are poured into a small container and poured with a liter of boiling water. The drink should stand for at least eight hours. It is taken once a day shortly before meals. With contact allergies, a series can be added to the bath. A glass of tincture is poured into water at a temperature of 25-30 degrees. You must lie in the water for at least 10 minutes.
Prevention
Compliance with simple rules will help prevent allergies to perfumes. They are as follows:
- Periodically give the skin a rest from the perfume and do not use it in large quantities.
- Do not test several spirits at once: some components together can cause a very strong allergic reaction.
- Do not purchase cheap perfumes from your hands.
- Do not use perfume after the expiration date.
- Keep perfume away from direct sunlight.
- If you are allergic to perfume components, carefully use eau de toilette and deodorant.
- Before buying perfumes, you need to test them on your skin. To do this, a couple of droplets are applied to the wrist. If no reaction has appeared during the day, then you can safely buy perfume.
Reviews
On the Internet, you can find reviews of women about allergies to perfumes. Most of them note that an allergic reaction arose precisely on an expensive perfume containing natural ingredients. The main symptoms of allergies are called lacrimation, nasal congestion and sneezing. Some users write that the allergic reaction was so strong that they had to call a doctor.
A perfume allergy is an unpleasant disease that can be dangerous in certain cases. Very often the disease provokes the person himself, and then for a long time tries to get rid of his symptoms. To prevent the occurrence of allergies is quite simple, you just need to be careful and follow the recommendations. But if an allergic reaction to the perfume still appears, you must immediately consult a doctor and start timely therapy.