Why can't I smell my own body odor?
Disease description:
I have a friend who has body odor, but he seems unaware of it. Why can't people with body odor smell it on themselves?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The main reasons why people with bromhidrosis cannot smell their own odor are as follows:
1. **Olfactory adaptation**: The human olfactory system has adaptability. When exposed to a certain smell for a prolonged period, individuals gradually become accustomed to and ignore its presence. Therefore, patients with bromhidrosis may no longer be sensitive to their own body odor.
2. **Odor concentration**: If the smell of bromhidrosis is not particularly strong, or if the individual is not paying close attention during activities, they may fail to notice the odor.
3. **Personal habituation**: Patients with bromhidrosis may, over time, become accustomed to the smell due to prolonged exposure, and therefore no longer pay special attention to it.
