Maddie James
Candles are a popular way to create a cosy atmosphere and fill your home with fragrance. However, for some people, candles can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, from sneezing and coughing to skin rashes and headaches. This sensitivity to candles can be caused by a variety of factors, including fragrance allergies, environmental allergies, and the release of toxic compounds during burning. With an increasing number of people reporting candle sensitivities, it is important to understand the potential causes and how to minimise allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | Affects about one in five people |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing, headache, nausea, skin rash, fatigue, sinus problems, hives, runny or stuffed-up nose |
| Causes | Genetic factors, environmental change, benzodiazepine withdrawal, hormonal disturbance, toxic compounds (VOCs), smoke, synthetic fragrances, dyes, fragrance oils, lead-core wicks |
| Diagnosis | Skin patch testing |
| Treatment | Hypoallergenic candles, fragrance-free candles, natural wax candles, soy wax candles, dye-free candles, softer scents, shorter burning times, well-ventilated areas |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance allergy
Fragrance allergies are a type of abnormal immune reaction to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. They are relatively common, with estimates of up to 4.5% of the general adult population suffering from them. Fragrance allergies can be caused by a wide range of products, including perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, essential oils, personal care products, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, laundry products, and household items such as scented candles.
The symptoms of fragrance allergies generally affect the skin and can be treated with medication. These symptoms can include allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. Other symptoms include skin itching and redness, blisters, swelling, hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin), and in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Fragrance allergies can also affect the mouth, causing cheilitis, gingivitis, blisters, and erosions.
To diagnose a fragrance allergy, a detailed patient history is taken, and patch testing is often used to confirm. During patch testing, allergens are attached to patches placed on the skin of the arm or back, and skin responses are evaluated after 48 hours and again between 72 and 96 hours for delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
To manage fragrance allergies, it is recommended to use fragrance-free or unscented products, improve ventilation by opening windows, and use air filters to eliminate odours.
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Environmental allergies
Candles can trigger these symptoms due to the release of toxic compounds, also known as VOCs, into the air. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carcinogens that can cause allergies and even asthma attacks. Synthetic fragrances, in particular, are made up of hundreds of different chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions.
In addition, candles with lead wicks can release lead into the air, exceeding safe levels, especially for children. Dyes in candles can also add to the cocktail of hazardous chemicals released by the flame. To minimize exposure to these chemicals, it is recommended to burn candles for 3-4 hours at a time in a well-ventilated area and opt for softer scents.
Furthermore, an allergy to smoke could be a factor in candle sensitivity. Individuals with this allergy may also be sensitive to other types of smoke, such as from cigarettes or fires.
To manage candle sensitivity, individuals can opt for hypoallergenic candles, which are made without synthetic fragrances and dyes. Soy candles, in particular, are recommended for those with allergies or sensitivities due to their natural and non-toxic properties. Additionally, wax melts are a popular alternative, as they provide fragrance without the need for an open flame.
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Toxic compounds
While candles are a perfect addition to any space in your home, candle allergies are not. About one in five people report reacting to candles with symptoms that include sneezing, a runny or stuffed-up nose, itchy and watery eyes, sinus problems, headaches, hives or other skin rashes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and even fatigue.
Candles can release toxic compounds, also known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), into the air. These toxic compounds are carcinogens that can cause allergies and even asthma attacks. Synthetic fragrances comprise hundreds of different chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions.
Some candles, such as those made with paraffin wax, can pollute your home with unsafe chemicals. Lead-core wicks, for example, can release lead into the air, exceeding EPA pollution standards for outdoor air.
To avoid toxic compounds, opt for candles made with natural wax, such as soy wax, and be on the lookout for candle brands using synthetic or toxic fragrances. Burning candles for 3-4 hours at a time in a well-ventilated area can also help reduce exposure to toxic compounds.
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Allergy to smoke
It is possible to develop an allergy to tobacco smoke. People with a confirmed or suspected allergy to tobacco or the ingredients in tobacco products should avoid exposure to these products. Symptoms of a smoke allergy include sinus congestion, shortness of breath, a runny nose, severe irritation in the eyes, and wheezing.
If you suspect you have a smoke allergy, you should consult a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis. A clinician will apply small drops of different allergens to parts of your skin (often your forearm) and wait to see which allergens produce a reaction. This is known as a skin patch test.
In the meantime, avoidance is the best way to treat and prevent an allergy. This may include quitting smoking and vaping or limiting time around others who smoke or vape. If it is impossible to avoid smoke entirely, you should minimise your exposure as much as possible. Stay indoors on days with unhealthy air quality, and keep windows and doors closed to keep smoke out. Air purifiers can also help to filter out smoke particles from the air in your home.
In addition to tobacco smoke, candles can also cause sensitivity in some people. Scent sensitivity occurs in about one in five people and includes symptoms like wheezing, headache, nausea, skin rash, itchy eyes, and even fatigue. If you experience candle sensitivity, you may want to consider avoiding candles with added dyes and fragrances. Burning candles for shorter periods (3-4 hours) in a well-ventilated area can also help to prevent sensitivity.
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Skin irritation
Scented candles can cause skin irritation due to an allergic reaction or sensitivity to fragrances. About one in five people have scent sensitivity, which can manifest as skin rashes, among other symptoms. In some cases, an allergy to smoke or exposure to toxic compounds released by candles, such as VOCs, can also be the culprit.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system identifies certain fragrance components as allergens and produces antibodies to defend against them. This immune response leads to allergy symptoms, often in the form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ACD results in an itchy rash on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance.
To determine if you have a fragrance allergy, a patch test can be performed. This involves placing patches with allergens on the skin for 48 hours, followed by evaluations at 72 and 96 hours to check for delayed hypersensitivity reactions. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact chemical causing the reaction due to the multitude of synthetic fragrances used in candles.
If you experience skin irritation from candles, opting for hypoallergenic candles or those made with natural waxes like soy, without added dyes or synthetic fragrances, may be a better option to minimise allergic reactions. Burning candles for shorter durations and in well-ventilated areas can also help alleviate symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of candle sensitivity include sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, sinus problems, headaches, nausea, skin rashes, wheezing, and fatigue.
Candle sensitivity is caused by an allergy to fragrances, smoke, or other toxic compounds released by candles. People with environmental allergies, such as pollen or pet dander, may also be sensitive to candles due to a generalized sensitivity to airborne particles.
To manage candle sensitivity, opt for hypoallergenic candles made with natural waxes such as soy wax, avoid candles with added dyes and strong fragrances, and burn candles for shorter periods in well-ventilated areas.
While doctors cannot test for fragrance reactions, skin patch testing can help determine if your symptoms are caused by an allergy. An allergist or dermatologist can also examine a rash and diagnose whether it is due to an allergic reaction.
