Everything about Body Odour totally explained
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Body odour (spelled
body odor in the U.S.), often abbreviated as B.O., or
bromhidrosis (also called
bromidrosis,
osmidrosis and
ozochrotia) is the
smell of
bacteria growing on the body. These bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of
sweat, but sweat itself is almost completely odorless. Body odor is associated with the
hair,
feet,
groin (upper medial thigh),
anus,
skin in general,
armpits,
genitals,
pubic hair, and
mouth.
Specificity
Body odour can smell pleasant and specific to the individual, and can be used to identify people, though this is more often done by
dogs and other
animals, than by
humans. An individual's body odour is also influenced by
diet,
gender,
genetics,
health,
medication, and
mood.
Propionic acid (propanoic acid) is present in many sweat samples. This acid is a breakdown product of some
amino acids by
propionibacteria, which thrive in the ducts of adolescent and adult sebaceous glands. Because propionic acid is chemically similar to
acetic acid with similar physical characteristics including odour, body odours may be identified as having a vinegar-like smell by certain persons.
Isovaleric acid (3-methyl butanoic acid) is the other source of body odour as a result of actions of the bacteria
Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is also present in several strong cheese types.
Genetics
Body odor is largely influenced by
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. These are genetically determined and play an important role in
immunity of the organism. The
vomeronasal organ contains cells sensitive to MHC molecules in a genotype-specific way. Experiments on animals and volunteers have shown that potential sexual partners tend to be perceived more attractive if their MHC composition is substantially different. This behavior pattern promotes variability of the immune system of individuals in the population, thus making the population more robust against new diseases.
A recent study suggests that body odor is genetically determined by a gene that also codes the type of
earwax one has. Oriental Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Koreans have the type of sweat glands which even after hitting puberty still doesn't produce the chemicals found in the sweats of other races. East Asians evidently have a greater chance of having the 'dry' earwax type and reduced axial sweating and odor. This may be due to adaptation to colder climates.
Alterations
Body odor perceived as offensive may be reduced or prevented by using suitable
deodorants and although body odor is commonly associated with
hygiene, its presentation can be affected by changes in
diet as well as those other factors discussed above. Other cultures with much fewer people with body odor may treat the condition as a disease, relying much less on deodorant and sometimes even perform surgeries to permanently remove body odor.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Body Odour'.
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