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' N osing A round' the human skin: W hat information is concealed in skin odour?
Author(s) -
Kippenberger Stefan,
Havlíček Jan,
Bernd August,
Thaçi Diamant,
Kaufmann Roland,
Meissner Markus
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2012.01545.x
Subject(s) - deodorant , pheromone , odor , biology , chemistry , neuroscience , genetics , organic chemistry
In today′s world, natural body odour is mostly considered as being unpleasant and combated by intensive cleansing, deodorants and perfumes. However, there is evidence that volatile body compounds provide the recipient with important information. Here, we present the chemical identity of odorous compounds derived from odourless precursors within sweat and sebum. Moreover, distinct volatile markers may be relevant for the clinical diagnosis of disease. Interestingly, ageing seems to correlate with the appearance of specific compounds that convey the so‐called old man smell. Finally, it is discussed if human skin odour has the quality to act as pheromone transmitting information between individuals in terms of major histocompatibility complex type or reproductive status.