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Who doesn’t love a good scent or who does not like to splurge on a perfume that exudes luxury? I would like to believe that we all do. But, unlike what others would love to do on a "perfume day," let's talk about how certain fragrances can cause headaches. Besides the well-known factors of headaches—dehydration, stress, tension, lack of sleep, and more—perfumes, despite having a pleasant scent, can lead to a headache. And guess what? A lot of times, you might just be blaming your boss rather than figuring out that it is your own or your colleague's perfume that is the culprit.
Wondering how it works? Speaking to the Express UK, Dr. Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP, said that strong smells, yes, including those of pleasant perfumes, can "activate nerve pathways in the nose and brain, potentially leading to a headache.".
While a strong smell does not come in the way of everyone's life to punish them with a headache, Dr. Cunningham says, this can be particularly true for those "who are sensitive to chemical compounds found in many fragrances.".
For those who are looking for some more clarity, Dr. Cunningham explains, "These fragrances can cause a reaction in the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensations in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing."
By the way, not just perfumes, but also strong smells from floor cleaners, air fresheners, incense sticks (agarbatti), and grooming products like soaps and shampoos can add to the fragrance-triggered headaches.
Well, what can be done when you get a headache caused by a strong smell?
- Move to Fresh Air: Step outside or into a well-ventilated area to reduce exposure to the strong smell, allowing fresh air to clear your nasal passages and ease discomfort.
- Use Essential Oils: Dab peppermint or lavender oil on your temples or wrists. These scents can counteract strong odours, providing relief from headache symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing tension.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated helps flush out irritants that may be causing the headache. Drink plenty of water to keep your body balanced and reduce headache severity.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cool washcloth or ice pack on your forehead or the back of your neck. Cold therapy can help constrict blood vessels and relieve headache pain.
- Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever: If the headache persists, consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help alleviate discomfort, especially if the scent-triggered headache turns into a lingering migraine.
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