Image credit: fragrancex.com

What is fragrance allergy?

Fragrance allergy is an allergic contact dermatitis to a fragrance chemical. Fragrances and perfumes can either be made from a natural extract or synthesised. They produce a pleasant scent or disguise the unpleasant odour of a product. Allergy requires prior sensitisation to the fragrance chemical.

What is fragrance allergy dermatitis?

Fragrance allergy presents as a dermatitis which is often in a streaky pattern where there has been direct contact with the fragrance allergen. In women, the hands, face, and neck are most commonly affected. In men, the hands, face, and lower legs are most often affected.

How common is fragrance allergy?

Fragrance allergy is common and is believed to affect around 1% of adults . Rates in children and adolescents are around 1.8%. Fragrance allergy is second only to nickel allergy as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

Are fragrances a contact allergen?

A European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety review of fragrances in 2011 listed 82 substances that had been established as contact allergens including 54 synthetic chemicals and 28 natural extracts. Twelve of the chemicals and 8 of the natural extracts were listed as being at high risk of causing sensitisation.

What Is Fragrance Allergies

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/perfume-allergy
2. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/fragrance-allergy
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/fragrance-sensitivity-making-sense-of-scents-201234
4. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fragrances
5. https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx
6. https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/fragrance-sensitivity-health-effects
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume_intolerance