Skin microbiota and body malodour

Abstract

Chronic body malodours are often considered to be universal triggers of distress for many patients. Various human body malodours relate to the bacterial transformation of compounds conveyed by sweat on the skin surfaces and axillae. There is skin microbiome variation between individuals which typically results in a change in one's sweat constitution and ultimately influences the final odour produced. Body malodour may be managed through good personal hygiene, the use of antiperspirants, deodorants, zinc emulsions, antifungals, glycopyrronium tosylate, triclosan body soaps and povidone-iodine. Moreover, certain lifestyle modifications, the use of oral probiotics and prebiotics, alongwithmore invasive medical and surgical procedures, such as axillary laser therapy, iontophoresis, Botulinum toxin type A, suction-curettage, elliptical axillary skin excision as well as transthoracic sympathectomy may also result in body malodour suppression. In this article, the relationship between bacterial skin commensals and body malodour will be discussed.