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Sniffing Out Skin Disease: Odors in Dermatologic Conditions.
Hannah R Malinosky1, Matthew LaCour1, Christopher Haas1
1Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans.
Cutis
|October 7, 2025
Summary
Clinicians can use body odor to diagnose diseases, as infections, metabolic disorders, and organ failure produce distinct scents. Further research into olfactory diagnostics in dermatology is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dermatology traditionally relies on visual and tactile examination.
- Clinicians frequently encounter diagnostic odors but often overlook their significance.
- Olfaction is an underutilized sensory modality in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on disease-related cutaneous odors.
- To highlight the diagnostic potential of incorporating olfaction into dermatological assessments.
- To explore the link between specific scents and various medical conditions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Articles focusing on disease-specific cutaneous odors were identified and analyzed.
- Evidence linking odors to infections, genetic disorders, metabolic conditions, and organ dysfunction was synthesized.
Main Results:
- Bacterial and fungal infections are associated with characteristic malodors.
- Genetic and metabolic disorders, including Darier disease, trimethylaminuria, phenylketonuria, and maple syrup urine disease, present unique scents.
- Organ dysfunction, such as renal and hepatic failure, also produces distinct odors.
- Preliminary findings suggest melanoma may possess a detectable odor.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous odors are associated with a range of diseases, offering potential diagnostic clues.
- Incorporating olfactory assessment into dermatological practice could enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Further research and objective methods for odor measurement are needed to fully leverage olfaction in clinical settings.
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