In response to a question from Beth Clarke in London, this article explores the science of body odour and how individuals can detect if they themselves smell. The human body naturally produces sweat through apocrine glands, and it’s the interaction between this sweat and bacteria that causes body odour. However, due to a phenomenon known as “nose blindness” or olfactory fatigue, people often become desensitised to their own scent. This means that while others might notice an unpleasant smell, the individual responsible may be entirely unaware.
The article explains that this sensory adaptation is the same reason someone might not notice the smell of their dog in the house, though visitors can detect it immediately. Despite the lack of extensive scientific research on self-smell detection, some anecdotal methods are recommended. One such tip is to run clean fingers over your scalp or underarms and then sniff them to check for any unpleasant odours.
While not foolproof, these techniques can offer a basic way to monitor personal hygiene. The article encourages readers to be more aware of their own scent and provides a light-hearted yet informative take on a common social concern.
