How emotional changes affect skin odor and its impact on others

The gas emanating from human skin is known to vary depending on one's physical condition and diet. Thus, skin gas has been gaining substantial scholarly attention as an effective non-invasive biomarker for understanding different physical conditions. This study focuses on the relationship between psychological stress and skin gas, which has remained unclear to date. It has been deduced that when participants were subjected to interviews confirmed as stressful by physiological indicators, their skin emitted an odor similar to stir-fried leeks containing allyl mercaptan and dimethyl trisulfide. This characteristic, recognizable odor appeared reproducibly during the stress-inducing situations. Furthermore, the study deduced that individuals who perceive this stress odor experience subjective tension, confusion, and fatigue (Profile of Mood States scale). Thus, the study findings indicate the possibility of human nonverbal communication through odor, which could enhance our understanding of human interaction.

Automated summary

This study examines the relationship between psychological stress and skin gas and finds that during stress-inducing situations, the skin emits an odor similar to stir-fried leeks. Individuals who perceive this stress odor experience subjective tension, confusion, and fatigue.