Deodorants are the most commonly used product universally in order to conceal bad odor. It is a type of cosmetic used by both younger as well as older generation in order to prevent perspiration.
Deodorants have antimicrobial formula which not only covers up the odor by decreasing the number of bacteria that produces odoriferous substance but also give fragrance. But ingredients in these products can trigger deodorant allergy symptoms.
Whereas antiperspirants are classified as drug and are used to reduce the amount of sweat produced. Usually deodorants and antiperspirants are combined together into a single product.
Causes of Deodorant Allergy Symptoms
Your skin can be allergic to deodorants due to the active ingredients present in the deodorants. Alcohol is the key component present in most of the deodorants; this may be responsible for allergy.
However for some people allergy is also caused due to the fragrance of the deodorants. If your deodorant contains antiperspirant it may also cause allergy as antiperspirants contains aluminum chloride or Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine which blocks the sweat glands. If you are allergic to one or more of these ingredients, it may result in varying levels of allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of Deodorant Allergy
1. Redness of skin
Redness of skin is most common with the people who are allergic to deodorants or fragrances. When the skin gets in contact with deodorants it may result in inflammation.
Continuous use of deodorants may lead to skin rash along with redness of the skin, further the skin may get swollen, and as the time passes the skin may become dry and rough.
2. Sneezing
People who are allergic to fragrances may suffer from sneezing and running nose. If a person is not wearing any fragrance but is in close proximity to a person wearing a perfume or deodorant or even stepping into a closed room where the fragrance was sprayed may trigger a reaction.
3. Skin darkening
Using deodorants for a longer period of time may lead to skin darkening, this happens usually in armpits as people tend to apply deodorants more liberally in armpits. Sometimes it is the itching and scratching that leads to skin damage and darkening. The darkening can be reversible if applying of deodorant is discontinued.
4. Breathing problem
Difficulty in breathing is uncommon symptoms of a perfume or deodorant allergy but may occur to people suffering with allergic asthma. Person who is hypersensitive to fragrances may experience more serious symptoms like hoarseness of the voice and even difficulty in breathing. Anaphylaxis is the most severe deodorant allergy symptom which can turn out to be fatal.
5. Skin burning and itching
This is the most common symptom of deodorant allergy. Itching and burning may lead to skin rash and redness. This redness may worsen due to repeated scratching of skin.
6. Burning and Watery Eyes
Deodorants usually come with aerosol spray which means it covers a wide area to spray. The particles present in the spray are airborne which comes in contact with your eyes and cause burning sensation. Perfume and deodorant easily vaporize as they have volatile substance, which can cause irritation and redness to your eyes. This irritation and allergy can also happen when another person is wearing perfume or deodorant in close proximity.
If you experience any of the above mentioned deodorant allergy symptoms consult doctor or allergist.