Beauty

[expatgal]

I've worn perfume for 40 years, but lately I'm thinking it is making me itchy. It's either that or the new Woolite DARK I tried last week. No new soap, lotions, anything. Anyone experience this?

[mysweetlife]

Hello expatgal.

It isn't at all uncommon to develop an allergy to something you use frequently. But before throwing out the baby with the bath water, I'd eliminate one of the items you reference above - either the perfume or the Woolite - and see if it makes a difference. Then try adding the item back and see if the problem returns.

Fragrances do change composition - rather frequently, in fact. There are a number of new regulations issued by the perfumers' governing body, IFRA, that are banning certain natural ingredients from perfumes for health reasons. Perfumers are substituting synthetic chemicals for these substances and it's possible that some of those synthetic chemicals may not agree with your system.

Try wearing a fragrance that you'd have a while and never had an issue with before. Then if your symptoms don't activate, you may have found the problem.

[suzyQ3]

I'm amazed to see this thread today. I've been on a perfume kick for the last few months. Before that, I had one and only one perfume.

A few weeks ago I developed a very annoying allergy (nasal). I'm taking Zyrtec to control it. I don't think that the perfumes contributed, but I can't be sure.

However, I have been experiencing what I absolutely know are reactions to certain fragrances that I have bought. I get an immediate scratchy feeling in my throat and a heaviness and tightness in my chest. Other perfumes are no problem.

A couple days ago I retried a sample of a fragrance that had bothered me like that because I adore the scent and wanted to see whether I could get away with it. If so, I was going to purchase a full bottle.

Well, that was a big mistake. I think I put myself over the threshold. I was in a lot of discomfort yesterday throat- and chest-wise.

I love fragrance, but I was told by some who are very knowledgeable that this kind of sensitivity (probably not technically an "allergy") can lead to complete sensitization so that I would have this same reaction to all perfumes.

So I'm not taking any chances. I will try one of my "safe" ones and not apply it near my face.

OP, some people do have skin reactions, usually hives or some irritation like that, at the spot where they apply fragrance. I don't know whether general itching is a common reaction. Maybe test your perfume just in one spot to see.

[brandiwine]

This is exactly why I never wear perfume in public. I only use it at home for my DH. So many are allergic to even the smell. Many people have no idea how strong the odor is from their favorite perfume. They've worn it so long they don't realize how much they use. It would be so nice if people could be more thoughtful of others. For many, it does cause serious reactions. My doctor's offices have huge signs on their doors telling patients no perfume.

[Harpa]

On 10/2/2014 mysweetlife said:

Hello expatgal.

It isn't at all uncommon to develop an allergy to something you use frequently. But before throwing out the baby with the bath water, I'd eliminate one of the items you reference above - either the perfume or the Woolite - and see if it makes a difference. Then try adding the item back and see if the problem returns.

Fragrances do change composition - rather frequently, in fact. There are a number of new regulations issued by the perfumers' governing body, IFRA, that are banning certain natural ingredients from perfumes for health reasons. Perfumers are substituting synthetic chemicals for these substances and it's possible that some of those synthetic chemicals may not agree with your system.

Try wearing a fragrance that you'd have a while and never had an issue with before. Then if your symptoms don't activate, you may have found the problem.

I think it's this exactly. My old things have never turned and are still as vibrant as ever. The new stuff I can't tolerate, though I don't have any known specific allergies.

I don't break out in headaches, rashes, sneezes or anything. But I can't even tolerate a lot of soaps and bath gels.

Same way that I can detect preservatives in box cake mixes and cereals, which I don't use anymore.

I don't have any Woolite on hand, and I never got the Woolite dark.

[Shelbelle]

I am fine with Woolite Dark. But some perfumes give me a terrible red rash, one in particular is Pink Sugar, other is Falling in Love.

[suzyQ3]

You can buy perfumes that are made primarily from natural ingredients, but many people can't tolerate some of those ingredients. Plus, I've read disclaimers on some that the user should not expect the same longevity as with mainstream perfumes.