Fragrance is one of the toughest allergens to avoid. It seems like fragrance is everywhere! Even when you are doing your best to avoid it, all it takes is for someone to come into the room, drenched in their favorite perfume to cause a flare-up.
Fragrance is used in almost every product on the market. It is used to enhance odor or mask undesirable odors. It is used in deodorants, hair products, soaps, moisturizers, makeup, sunscreens, creams, insect repellent, room fresheners, toothpaste and many other products.
Use these tips to try and avoid this difficult allergen.
1. Unscented and Fragrance-Free are different: Make sure to use only “fragrance-free” products and not “Unscented”. Unscented products may contain low levels of a fragrance and are not completely free of fragrance.
2. Don’t make assumptions: If a product is labeled as “hypoallergenic”, do not assume that the product is actually free of fragrance.
3. The Trial & Error Method: Sometimes you may be able to tolerate one fragrance but not another. Before using a new fragrance try the trial-and-error method. Apply the product to the forearm in the same small area twice a day for a week. If no dermatitis develops, the product may be used safely.
4. Have an exit plan: If you are at an event where you know you might be triggered have an exit plan. Make sure to sit by open windows or be near a door. This will make it easy to step out if a certain scent is bothering you.
5. Ask for help: This could be awkward but it could help you out tremendously. Politely ask your co-workers or friends to tone down the perfume. Make sure to explain that this is nothing against them and you have a serious allergy to fragrance.
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