IPB Expert Explains the Risk of Perfume on the Neck to the Thyroid Gland

Illustration of spraying perfume on the neck (Photo: Freepik/animator eddows)

JAKARTA - Spraying perfume on the neck area has become a habit for many people. This method is believed to make the perfume aroma more durable because it touches the body's pulse point. However, recently there have been concerns that this habit can affect health, especially the thyroid gland, and even be associated with the risk of thyroid cancer.

Expert in Multiomics Cancer at IPB University, dr Agil Wahyu Wicaksono, MBiomed, explained that scientifically there are indications of a relationship between the use of perfume and disorders of the thyroid gland. Even so, the direct relationship with thyroid cancer to date has not been proven definitively.

"Based on a systematic review study, the habit of spraying perfume, including in the neck area, is related to the risk of thyroid gland disorders. The relationship with thyroid cancer is still hypothetical and has not been proven directly," he said, quoted from the IPB University website.

The lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University explained that perfumes or colognes generally contain a number of chemicals, such as phthalates, parabens, and triclosan. These substances are known to have the potential to disrupt the hormone system in the body or are referred to as endocrine disruptors.

"Several studies show that triclosan can affect thyroid hormone function, while a number of parabens also affect the balance of the body's endocrine system," he concluded.

According to Dr. Agil, chemicals contained in perfumes can be absorbed through the skin. The absorption rate depends on several factors, such as the location of use, frequency of use, and duration of exposure.

He explained that the neck area is anatomically close to the thyroid gland and has relatively thin skin. This condition theoretically allows substances such as phthalates, parabens, and triclosan that are repeatedly exposed in the area to have effects, both locally and systemically.

"The neck area is anatomically close to the thyroid gland and has relatively thin skin, so repeated exposure to phthalates, parabens, and triclosan in this location can theoretically increase the chance of the effects of these substances locally and systemically," he explained.

However, Dr. Agil emphasized that the health effects of using perfume do not occur instantly. The effects usually last slowly over the long term, and not everyone who wears perfume will experience health problems.

"It doesn't mean that everyone who wears perfume will get sick. However, excessive and continuous use for years can increase the risk of hormonal disorders, especially for pregnant women, children and adolescents, as well as people with previous hormonal disorders," said Dr. Agil.

To reduce the potential for long-term health risks, the public is advised to use perfume wisely. One way to do this is to spray perfume on clothes, not directly on the skin. In addition, it is best to avoid routine use in the neck or armpit area and use perfume sparingly.

"If possible, choose products that have the label 'phthalate-free' or 'paraben-free'," concluded Dr. Agil.