At National Skin Centre, where Adj Assoc Prof Leow is a senior consultant, he has seen patients with itchy rashes following the use of fragranced products, “not just perfumes or colognes per se”. “As fragrance is ubiquitous, it is difficult to verify,” he said.
Dr Christopher Foo, a specialist in dermatology and a consultant with Raffles Skin & Aesthetics, said that he sees about one case of allergic contact dermatitis every few months. “I suspect that the reason could be because most reactions are mild. Therefore, patients visit a general practitioner instead.”
No matter the cause of your misery, you’ll want to stay clear of the avoidable triggers. So, what can you do if you adore perfumes? What are the common irritants in them? And can you develop a reaction to scents overnight when you’ve been fine all along? We find out.
WHAT’S IN PERFUMES ANYWAY?
“The skin’s reaction is to a chemical found in the perfume, and different perfumes contain a different variety of chemicals,” said Dr Foo.
Indeed, there’s quite a bit encapsulated in that tiny bottle. “Typically, fragrances are made up of three layers: Top, middle, and base notes. These layers unfold over time, providing an evolving sensory experience,” said Jason Lee, the founder and CEO of Six Scents.