I’m not being dramatic. I’m not “too sensitive.” I’m chemically reactive—and walking into a room with perfume or plug-ins can send my body into full shutdown.
This post isn’t about complaining—it’s about naming what’s real so people like us stop feeling crazy. Let’s talk about what MCS actually is, how it shows up in everyday life, and how I manage it in a world that won’t stop spraying Febreze.
What is MCS?
MCS stands for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. It’s also called environmental illness or toxicant-induced loss of tolerance.
Basically, it means our bodies overreact (and I mean way overreact) to even tiny amounts of chemicals like:
- Fragrances in perfume, lotion, detergent, deodorant
- Cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, “air fresheners”
- Pesticides, paints, smoke, and off-gassing from plastics
Symptoms can look different for everyone. For me, they include:
- Instant brain fog
- Head pressure or migraines
- Fatigue that feels like being hit by a truck
- Nausea, dizziness, anxiety
- Difficulty breathing or throat tightness
This isn’t an allergy. It’s a nervous system reaction. And no, it’s not in my head.
What It’s Like to Live with MCS
Imagine walking into a grocery store, and the detergent aisle gives you a migraine before you even get near it.
Imagine trying to go to church, the doctor, or a friend’s house—and having to leave because someone’s wearing a strong scent.
Imagine explaining over and over that “No, I’m not just sensitive—it literally makes me sick.”
People don’t understand, and honestly, I don’t expect most of them to.
But that doesn’t mean I should stop telling the truth.
How I Handle It Now
I’m still learning, but here’s what helps me:
- Wearing a mask in public places (yes, still)
- Avoiding scented stores and salons completely
- Using unscented everything at home—from soap to laundry
- Carrying a mini air purifier and essential oil balm to ground myself
- Leaving when I need to—without apologizing
- Telling people ahead of time: “Fragrances make me sick, please go scent-free if you can.”
It’s awkward. It’s isolating. It’s also worth it.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re living with MCS, I see you. You’re not dramatic. You’re not difficult.
You’re just reacting to a toxic world that wasn’t built with your body in mind.
This blog is here for you—to validate, support, and maybe help you feel a little less alone.
Have you experienced MCS? Drop a comment or share what helps you cope—I’d love to hear from you.
And if you want to gently raise awareness, check out the scent-safe merch I designed for people like us.
If you’re also reacting to foods, check out my deep dive on toxic ice cream ingredients to avoid—especially if you have MCS, migraines, gut issues, or inflammation.
Want a mainstream overview of MCS? This article from WebMD breaks down symptoms, possible causes, and what doctors are (and aren’t) saying.
WebMD’s breakdown here – https://www.webmd.com/allergies/multiple-chemical-sensitivity
