ABSTRACT
THE FRAGRANCE ALLERGIC PATIENT There is a considerable interindividual variation in the sensitivity of fragrance allergic individuals. Some cannot tolerate any fragrance products at all; others may be able to use some type of products such as shampoos without problems because of the short time of contact and the dilution factor or even some stay-on products. The products most difficult to tolerate on the skin are perfumed deodorants, perfumes/colognes, and skin care products. In a questionnaire study of the strategies of fragrance allergic eczema patients in their choice of cosmetic products, 45.3% answered that they had found some scented products that they could tolerate, 31.6% had not tried to find any scented products, and 22% had tried but could not find any (26). The methods most often used were trying different products and reading the ingredient label. Patients were also asked if they felt fragrance allergy had an impact on their life. 17.1% of respondents reported sick leave because of fragrance allergy, and 45.3% found that fragrance allergy significantly affected their daily living (26).
