Wearing deodorant is an everyday ritual for most people, keeping us fresh and odor-free. But for Rodney Colley, a 23-year-old college student from Alexandria, Va., his regular deodorant use turned into a painful nightmare. What started as a typical shower quickly escalated into a burning sensation under his arm. Colley’s experience sheds light on a surprising issue that more people might be facing than you’d think.
In this article, we dive into the details of Colley’s story, explore the dangers of certain deodorants, and help you understand what might cause similar reactions, so you can avoid the same painful experience.
The Shocking Experience of Rodney Colley
Rodney Colley had always considered deodorant a simple part of his hygiene routine—until one day, it wasn’t. After stepping out of the shower one Monday morning, he felt something unusual. “It felt like my armpit was on fire,” Colley explained in an interview. When he looked in the mirror, he was shocked. The skin around his underarm had started to scab and form what looked like a severe rash.
Colley realized that the cause of his irritation wasn’t his shower routine or soap—it was the deodorant he had been using. Specifically, Old Spice deodorant. He had never experienced any problems with other products before, but this time, it was different. His skin was severely burned, leading to scabbing and intense discomfort. But Rodney’s story isn’t unique—he quickly discovered he wasn’t the only one suffering.
The Growing List of Deodorant Burns
As Rodney’s story gained attention, it became clear that he was far from alone. Many others have reported experiencing similar chemical burns from deodorants, particularly Old Spice. YouTube user Michael Smith also shared his experience with burns and rashes caused by the same brand, and his story resonated with many who had suffered in silence. The images and testimonials that surfaced are both alarming and heartbreaking.
One commenter on Smith’s video described how her husband suffered from raw, cracked, and bleeding skin after using Old Spice. His recovery took weeks, leaving them both frustrated and angry. Similar experiences can be found all over review platforms like Consumer Affairs, where Old Spice has received over 155 product complaints, with most reviews giving the deodorant a dismal 1-star rating.
The rash of complaints has brought attention to a deeper issue: deodorant allergies and reactions to certain chemicals used in personal care products.
Could You Be Allergic to Your Deodorant?
The burns and scabs reported by Colley and others seem to be symptoms of a deodorant allergy. While it may sound uncommon, reactions to deodorants and antiperspirants are not as rare as you might think.
Deodorants contain a variety of chemicals, including fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol, that can trigger an allergic reaction. If you notice redness, itching, or a rash developing after using a new product, these may be early warning signs of an allergy. In more severe cases, you could develop chemical burns like those reported by Colley, where the skin becomes inflamed, cracked, or even oozes.
Deodorant allergies can occur for several reasons:
- Fragrance sensitivity: Many deodorants contain synthetic fragrances to mask odor, but these can be irritants for people with sensitive skin.
- Alcohol content: Some antiperspirants use alcohol to help the product dry quickly, but alcohol can dry out the skin, causing irritation.
- Aluminum compounds: Aluminum salts are a common ingredient in antiperspirants to reduce sweat, but they can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
If you’ve recently switched deodorants and notice any discomfort, it’s a good idea to stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist.
Consumer Concerns About Old Spice Deodorant
While many deodorants can cause allergic reactions, Old Spice has faced a significant amount of scrutiny. According to Consumer Affairs, numerous complaints have been lodged against Old Spice deodorants, many of which are similar to the injuries suffered by Rodney Colley and Michael Smith. The most common issues reported include severe burns, scabbing, redness, and itchiness—all signs of an allergic or chemical reaction.
Despite the growing number of complaints, Old Spice continues to be a popular product on the shelves. This has raised concerns about whether the company should issue warnings or make changes to its formula to prevent further incidents.
Old Spice, like many other personal care brands, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations with any substantial change to the product’s formula. However, the mounting evidence suggests that consumers should be cautious and monitor their skin’s reaction when using any new deodorant.
Steps to Take If You Have a Reaction
If you ever experience discomfort similar to what Colley went through, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage:
- Stop using the product immediately: The first step is to stop using the deodorant as soon as you notice irritation or a rash developing. Continuing to use the product can make the reaction worse.
- Rinse with cool water: Wash the affected area with cool or lukewarm water to remove any remaining product. Avoid scrubbing, as this can further irritate your skin.
- Apply soothing ointments: Products like aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area. These can be found over the counter at most pharmacies.
- Consult a dermatologist: If the reaction is severe, such as blistering, scabbing, or intense burning, it’s best to seek medical advice from a dermatologist who can recommend appropriate treatment and help determine what ingredient caused the reaction.
- Consider switching to a hypoallergenic deodorant: Once your skin has healed, consider switching to a deodorant free from common irritants like alcohol and fragrance. There are hypoallergenic and natural deodorants available that may be better suited for sensitive skin.
Conclusion: Be Mindful of Your Body’s Reactions
Rodney Colley’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of everyday hygiene products like deodorant. While millions of people use deodorants without issue, it’s important to stay mindful of how your skin reacts to new products. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a burning sensation or a rash—don’t ignore it. Taking swift action can help prevent further irritation and long-term damage.
When in doubt, always consult a medical professional and consider choosing products that are gentle on your skin. Deodorant is meant to keep you fresh, not leave you feeling like your skin is “on fire.”
