The Microbiology of the Human Axilla and Its Relationship to Axillary Odor

Leyden, James J.; McGinley, Kenneth J.; Hölzle, Erhard; Labows, John N.; Kligman, Albert M.

doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12494624

Cited by 351 publications

(312 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In addition to a high density of eccrine glands, the axilla contains large numbers of sebaceous and apocrine glands (Labows et al, 1982). The interactions between the cutaneous microflora and skin secretions lead to a complex mix of odorants (Leyden et al, 1981;Labows et al, 1982).…”

Section: Source and Signal: Axillary Chemistry And Pheromone Creationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facts, fallacies, fears, and frustrations with human pheromones

2004

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Among primates in general, pheromones are of variable importance to social communication. Data on humans have generated the greatest controversy regarding the existence of pheromonal communication. In this review, the likelihood of pheromonal communication in humans is assessed with a discussion of chemical compounds produced by the axilla that may function as pheromones; the likelihood that the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a putative pheromone receptor organ in many other mammals, is functional in humans; and the possible ways pheromones operate in humans. In the human axilla, the interactions between the cutaneous microflora and axillary secretions render this region analogous to scent glands found in other primates. Both the chemistry of axillary secretions and their effects on conspecifics in humans appear to be analogous to other mammalian pheromone systems. Whichever chemical compounds serve a pheromonal function in humans, another unknown is the receptor. Although the VNO has been implicated in the reception of pheromones in many vertebrates, it is not the only pathway through which such information has access to the central nervous system; there is ample evidence to support the view that the olfactory epithelium can respond to pheromones. Furthermore, if a chemical activates receptors within the VNO, this does not necessarily mean that the compound is a pheromone. An important caveat for humans is that critical components typically found within the functioning VNO of other, nonprimate, mammals are lacking, suggesting that the human VNO does not function in the way that has been described for other mammals. In a broader perspective, pheromones can be classified as primers, signalers, modulators, and releasers. There is good evidence to support the presence of the former three in humans. Examples include affects on the menstrual cycle (primer effects); olfactory recognition of newborn by its mother (signaler); individuals may exude different odors based on mood (suggestive of modulator effects). However, there is no good evidence for releaser effects in adult humans. It is emphasized that no bioassay-guided study has led to the isolation of true human pheromones, a step that will elucidate specific functions to human chemical signals.

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Section: Source and Signal: Axillary Chemistry And Pheromone Creationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facts, fallacies, fears, and frustrations with human pheromones

2004

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“…In the human axilla, the density of aerobic and anaerobic organisms was found to be between 5 9 10 5 cm À2 and 1 9 10 6 cm À2 [7]. Washing with soap and water does not completely eliminate axillary bacteria.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…The uniquely shaped human axilla creates a warm and moist environment in which a well-thriving population of microorganisms is present that prospers in the humid conditions [7]. Axillary microorganisms mainly consist of four major groups: staphylococci, aerobic coryneforms, propionibacteria and micrococci [8] with staphylococci and corynebacteria being the most prominent types.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effective axillary malodour reduction by polyquaternium‐16‐containing deodorants

Traupe

Fölster

Max

et al. 2016

Intern J of Cosmetic Sci

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OBJECTIVE: Worldwide, individuals apply deodorants to combat malodour formation originating from the axillary vault. Considering the globally increasing demand for efficacious, safe deodorants, we investigated the antimicrobial effectiveness of a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound (PQ-16) as a new active in a roll-on formulation against microbial growth and axillary malodour. METHODS:We utilized an in vivo microbiological assessment to determine antimicrobial effects of the PQ-16-containing deodorant formulation (DEO1) (i) in comparison with a commercially available deodorant roll-on claiming a 24-h protection against body odour (DEO2) and (ii) in comparison with a roll-on containing the same formulation as DEO1 but comprising aluminium chlorohydrate instead of PQ-16 (DEO3) 1, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after treatment. Also, the axillary malodour intensity 24 and 48 h after application of deodorants was investigated in a controlled in vivo study performed by a trained sniffer panel using direct sniffing. RESULTS: Treatment with DEO1 in comparison with application of DEO2 significantly reduced the log 10 bacterial count at all points in time. After 24 and 48 h, sniffers rated malodour production in the DEO1-treated axillae significantly lower than in the DEO2-treated armpits. Application of DEO1 in comparison with DEO3 decreased the log 10 bacterial count after 1, 4, 8 and 24 h (significant for 4 and 8 h). After 48 h, the log 10 bacterial count showed similar values for both DEO1 and DEO3. The sniffer panel reported no significant differences between axillary malodour in DEO1-treated compared to DEO3-treated armpits after 24 and 48 h. CONCLUSION: We identified polyquaternium-16 (PQ-16, copolymers of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) as a highly effective deodorant active. Results showed that a newly developed PQ-16-containing deodorant roll-on formulation (i) significantly reduced axillary malodour 24 and 48 h after treatment, (ii) significantly decreased the amount of axillary bacteria, (iii) compared to a commercially available deodorant claiming a 24-h odour protection significantly lowered axillary malodour 24 h and 48 h after application, and (iv) was well tolerated by the study population. PQ-16 represents an innovative and skin-friendly deodorant active.Resume OBJECTIF: Dans le monde entier, les individus appliquent les desodorisants pour lutter contre la formation de mauvaises odeurs provenant de la voûte axillaire. Compte tenu de la demande croissante a l'echelle mondiale pour des desodorisants efficaces et sûrs, nous avons etudie l'efficacite antimicrobienne d'un compose ammonium quaternaire polymere (PQ-16) en tant que nouvel actif dans une formulation roll-on contre la croissance microbienne et la mauvaise odeur axillaire. METHODES: Nous avons utilise une evaluation microbiologique in vivo pour determiner les effets antimicrobiens de la formulation deodorante contenant PQ-16 (DEO1) i) par rapport a un deodorant roll-on disponible dans le commerce reclamant une protec...

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“…These Authors supposed that the malodour depends on E-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (E-3M2H), which is liberated by axillary microorganisms into nonodorous apocrine secretions (2).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bromhidrosis Induced by Sphingomonas Paucimobilis: A Case Report

Mancini¹,

Panasiti²,

Devirgiliis³

et al. 2009

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol

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Bromhidrosis is a clinical disorder characterized by excessive or abnormal foul axillary odour due to the interaction of apocrine glands with micro-organisms which causes a serious personal and social handicap for affected people. We present the case of a 50-year-old caucasian female with bromhidrosis. The patient referred that this symptom had begun two months previously. Her past treatments included antibacterial soap, topical antibacterial agents and perfumes, but none of these relieved the patient of the odour. A cultural examination of axillary smear was carried out and it revealed the presence of ciproftoxacin sensible Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Therefore the patient was treated with ciproftoxacin and after 1 week the infection resolved completely.Bromhidrosis is a common but unpleasant disease faced by many populations, particularly in Asia, due to the interaction of apocrine glands with microorganisms. Axillary bacteria degrade the apocrine sweat and malodorous smell develops within a few hours. The major odour components are short-chain fatty acids and ammonia (1). However, the definite etiology ofbromhidrosis has not yet been generalized. To our knowledge, this is the first report of axillary bromhidrosis caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis. MATERIALS AND METHODSA 50-year-old caucasian female was referred to our Department in May 2008, because of a disagreeable odour due to axillary bromhidrosis. Past medical history was unremarkable; the dermatological examination showed no abnormalities and there were no superficial axillary lymphadenopathy; laboratory tests were normal. The patient referred that this symptom had begun two months previously. Her past treatments had included antibacterial soap, topical antibacterial agents, and perfumes, but none of these relieved the patient of the odour. An axillary smear was performed and processed according to standard microbiologic techniques in the Microbiology laboratory of "Umberto I" Hospital in Rome. In particular, the specimen was cultured on Sabouraud agar for yeasts and on routinely selective and elective culture media for bacteria and it was incubated in ambient air at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Macroscopic observation of the microbial colony, Gram staining, the motility assay and catalase tests were performed

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The Microbiology of the Human Axilla and Its Relationship to Axillary Odor

Cited by 351 publications

References 15 publications

Facts, fallacies, fears, and frustrations with human pheromones

Facts, fallacies, fears, and frustrations with human pheromones

Effective axillary malodour reduction by polyquaternium‐16‐containing deodorants

Bromhidrosis Induced by Sphingomonas Paucimobilis: A Case Report

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