Fragrances can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or absorption. The first indicator of a fragrance irritation or allergy is usually a skin rash after the use of a perfume, cream or lotion. Reactions can also take other forms, including:

• Hives (smooth, raised pink or white bumps that appear on or beneath the skin)
  
  
• Nausea or dizziness
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Itchy skin, eyes and nose
  
  
• Runny nose
  
  
• Wheezing (whistling or high-pitched sound that results when breathing tubes are narrowed or obstructed)
  
  
• Coughing
  
  
• Eczema (inflammatory skin disease with lesions that usually appear very dry, thickened or scaly)
  
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
  
• Sore throat
  
  
• Asthma attacks or asthma-like symptoms
  
  
• Strange tastes in the mouth

The severity of symptoms varies from one individual to another. Symptoms can develop anywhere from a few minutes to seven to 10 days after exposure.