perfume/deo for a migraine sufferer whose headaches are triggered by scents | ExpatWoman.com
 

perfume/deo for a migraine sufferer whose headaches are triggered by scents

138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 18:33

so, the problem is, I get migraines if I get too much of the sun, strong smells (?) and really loud noises...

I need to be able to use a scent for myself, and this has been driving me crazy. I tried not using any form of scents for a long while now, but I really wish I could.
In the past, I have used a few, but within a few days, I start having headaches. :(
I have tried using deos/perfumes etc, one I really liked was Jovan white musk, then it too started giving me headaches :( and I stopped that too... that was almost 6-7 years ago. Ofcourse, in the last few years I have tried some or the other, but that too has failed and I dont use any, anymore.

So recently, I have started to use the bus and walk to my office... just for the 3 months till winters up... a new years resolution to get fit :). However, by the time I get to my office, I know, I may not be stinking, but could really use some form of scent just to feel fresh to myself and those around me.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I like mild, happy scents and I really wish I could wear one. what do you ladies think?

138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2011 - 22:42
thanks for the suggestions ladies. As some of you have suggested, spraying it elsewhere, like on the back might help a bit too... so the scent is not exactly 'in my nose (face)' :) I dread the visit to the shop though, cause I am going to have to smell them all and decide... will have to swallow 2 panadols just before I go in to stay sane :) (any suggestions for that ladies? )
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 22:39
Another migraine sufferer here! My triggers are similar, I am light sensitive, smells, noises and gluten. I use mitchum anti-perspirant and deodorant - comes unscented and also powder fresh (which I manage to cope with). Perfumes are completely individual I think. I use very light perfumes, I never spray them directly on my skin, I make a spray cloud in front of me, and walk through it (preferably without my clothes on) - just in case I am super sensitive even with the perfume I usually use. At the moment I am using Marc Jacobs - 'Lola', and I like his 'Daisy' as well... Daisy is far lighter than Lola (DH gave me Lola as a gift, it is lovely, but I use really sparingly). HTH
155
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 18:50
I get hay fever like symptoms with most perfumes, but can quite happily wear Chanel No.5! Deodorants don't seem to bad for me (thankgoodness!) and I seem to be fine with the Nivea 24 hour ones. The one I use is 'natural' - or something like that. It used to be much better when you could get the non-aerosol sprays for these... but haven't seen them around for a few years now.
64
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 18:38
I have the same problem. I've used Journey perfume by Mary Kay. I also find that the placement of the spray makes a difference...good luck to you!
81
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 02:20
I have this problem and i get round it by using a shower gel and matching body lotion that way getting scent but not actual perfume - maybe try bath and body works they have lots to choose from
548
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 23:22
Cosmeceuticals brands usually have perfume free deodorants that might work as well. I have one from Vichy and it's quite good, La Roche Posay, Avene, etc would have options too. Try one of the big pharmacies and you should find something.
409
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 22:47
I had this problem in a terrible way until I had a hysterectomy. It turns out that the smell and sound sensitivity was due to a large hormonal imbalance. The only perfume I could use then was Chanel 19. I sprayed it on my back - not on my front - and in very small doses. Good luck!
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 22:28
I find that any perfume with musk in it starts a horrific migraine. Probably like you, I'm one of the people that runs past the perfume shop ladies when they start wanting to spray you - eek!!! LOL! yes I do that often. When I see one of the ladies with their arm reaching out for me, I immediately say 'sorry, I'm alllergic' and 'brisk' walk away with a quick smile... previously when my sisters were with me, I could give them the perfume/deo if I couldn't use it. However can't do that now as they are in another country... :( I'll try both Paradise de Nina & bvlgari rose... gotta find something soon. As the days get warmer, I dont want to risk having to enter a bus and emptying it :)
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 20:28
I find that any perfume with musk in it starts a horrific migraine. Probably like you, I'm one of the people that runs past the perfume shop ladies when they start wanting to spray you - eek!!! Deodorant/antiperspirant - there are quite a few with no perfume, so at least you will stay dry. I've found that very light floral scents are ok for me; and just a little spray, well away from the face (and nose) area. One that's suiting me just now is Paradis de Nina - looks like the normal apple shape of the Nina perfume (which has musk), but is smaller and pink glass. It's trial and error, I'm afraid, but there's always that utter fear that you're going to trigger a migraine. Good luck! From a fellow migraineur.
1692
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 18:57
I have been a sufferer too since a child, and have similar triggers but the cold makes mine alot more intense than the heat luckily. I have been using a salt crystal deodorant and I am able to use Bvlgari Rose perfume without any consequence. But you know how it is, trial and error for each individual. Good Luck...
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY