My manager threatened to fire me because he's allergic to my..

15% Normal
3 Comments

He pulled me into his office and told me he's allergic to my scent. He said to get rid of the perfume and I told him I don't wear any. He then smelled me all over and told me he smells it on my neck. I told him I use my acne cleanser on my neck and face and that there's no perfume in it. He said it smells like wet papertowels and it makes his eyes itchy...

I'm sorry but is this normal? He then told me to stop using it and I told him I just bought this a month ago as recommended by my dermatologist. I told him that it works for me and I was so happy. He told me if I don't stop wearing it, he might have to get me fired.

But the ingredients are not scents, there's no perfume and it's my acne cleanser. It was really expensive and I had tried 10 already but this one finally works. He even said "I see that it works, I can tell but my eyes don't care"

Is this normal????? I am so upset. I don't want to lose my job... I asked my coworkers if they smell anything on me and none said yes....only he smells it... My parents don't smell it either

Voting Results
15% Normal
Based on 40 votes (6 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 3 )
  • Rusty-Rider
    7 years ago

    Try not wearing for one day and see if he can still smell it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
  • Ellenna
    7 years ago

    He could be reacting to one of the chemicals in the acne cleanser in the same way he reacts to perfumes. I feel a bit dubious about this, because I would've thought there'd be other chemicals in any work environment that he'd also react to? If he has multiple chemical sensitivities I don't see how he'd survive in any work or public environment without going into daily anaphylactic shock.

    How close does he have to get to you for him to have this reaction and have you actually seen even minor symptoms such as watering eyes? Smelling your neck and all over is VERY weird and it makes me question his motives. If he's an older man and you're a young woman, maybe he just likes smelling you? Has the same issue come up with any of your co-workers and what do they have to say about it?

    I guess you have three choices: keep using it and tell him you've stopped; stop using it altogether, or get another job.

    I'm quite puzzled about this and would love it if you can let us know the outcome! Wonderful to have a non-boring question on this site, they are far too rare.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
      -
    • _Mehhh_
      7 years ago

      I agree with this

      If he was so sure he was reacting to a "scent" you were wearing, WHY would he lean in closer for a better sniff? That's not normal at all. He'd be backing away from you and probably holding something over his mouth and nose while talking to you if he had to come close, if his allergy was that severe.

      Doesn't sound like he's exactly keeling over or breaking out in hives over it either, so it's a minor allergy reaction at best. He's your boss so I don't know if you have a leg to stand on, but he can just tolerate it if his reaction isn't that severe and he doesn't have to come near you tbh.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      1
      1