ecoteam, the science of smell expert group - deodorant & aromatherapy

What causes odors in elderly people?

Hormone Changes: Humans go through rather pronounced hormone changes that can affect a host of other things in the body including sweat and other factors in body odor. Women experience both drier skin and vaginal dryness. The drying of skin and mucous membranes makes them more susceptible to infections which can cause inflammation, irritation, and odor.

Many men suffer prostate-related problems that cause dribbling of urine. The constant minute flow of urine causes urine odor, but it also inflames and irritates the skin and causes odors related to the destruction of skin and related tissues.

Bad Breath – At least 70 percent of elderly people do not produce enough saliva, so their breath becomes foul. Dental problems and gum infections are often problematic for the elderly. See section on bad breath for treatment of this condition.

"Old Man Odor" – Also known as "old lady smell," "old man smell," and "old people smell," this condition results from the accumulation of a chemical called 2-nonenal. It is also one of the aromas the human nose perceives in old books, beer, buckwheat, cucumbers, lard, and orris (iris root), orris being used in some cosmetics.

This distinctive odor of elderly persons results from the accumulation of omega-7 fatty acids in the sebum glands of the skin. Most people have heard of omega-3 or maybe omega-6 essential fatty acids, but the omega-7 fatty acids are a little more obscure.

These are the fatty acids that can be found in a few little-used health supplements, such as sea buckthorn and rosemary leaf, and in relative abundance in seafood and macadamia nuts. For some reason scientists do not yet completely understand, these fatty acids become palmitoleic acid on the skin, but only in persons aged 40 and older. Unfortunately, the human nose can detect even tiny traces of this chemical, even 3 to 4 parts per million in the air of the room of an elderly person.

Treatment of Odors Associated with Aging

Washing: As many elderly people don’t go out as often as they used to, some let their personal hygiene habits lapse a bit, but because of the increased changes in the skin, mouth and hormone levels, it is important for elderly people to remain vigilant about frequent washing and use of soap. Assistance with personal hygiene may be necessary, especially when urination and defecation become problematic.

Drinking more water: Drinking water can help with the breath problems associated with lower saliva production and can also help flush out any toxins from the skin that are causing odors. Hydrating the skin makes it more supple, so the pores containing the fats that become "old person smell" can be more easily cleansed. Drinking water also rinses food particles off the tongue and gums and in between the teeth.

Deodorant Spray: It is used by spraying the air, bed linens and clothes of an elderly person.

Products:
Silver Spray: There is only one product on the market right now specifically targeted towards the elimination of odors associated with aging. It is produced by Ecoteam. Website: www.ecoteamlab.com

The Problem of Tobacco Odor:

Smokers often underestimate just how acutely non-smokers can smell tobacco. A study at the Institute for Hygiene and Applied Physiology in Switzerland found that non-smokers can detect the odor of one cigarette diluted in 19,000 cubic meters of air. This is roughly equivalent to a smoker going into the middle of a football or soccer stadium on calm day and lighting up; even 50 meters (150 feet) away, non-smokers can smell the cigarette.

The tobacco industry is very aware that cigarettes cause odor, so they include various additives in cigarettes to mask the odor. These include aluminum (linked to Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer) in the wrapping paper and lemon, vanilla, and patchouli in the tobacco. All these chemicals have to be detoxified in the liver of anyone who inhales the smoke, whether they smoke the cigarette or not.

Various studies find that 20 to 60 per cent of people exposed to second-hand smoke develop some kind of upper respiratory condition. Symptoms include sore throat, nasal irritation, post-nasal drip, runny nose, dry throat, dry mouth, coughing, and hoarseness. The acrolein in tobacco smoke is a common trigger for asthma attacks.

What causes tobacco odor?

1. Smoking: This is the obvious cause of tobacco odor on the body. The smell of smoke clings to the body, causes bad breath, and also comes out through the skin. The tobacco mixes with your body chemistry to cause a distinct odor that comes out through the skin.  This odor can persist for weeks even after the cessation of smoking.
2. Second hand smoke: As anyone who has ever been in a smoky café or bar can tell you, smoke from other people’s cigarettes also clings to clothing, the hair on the body and some gets into your system by breathing the smoke in the air. If enough second hand smoke is breathed in, it can cause a smell that comes out through the skin just as though the individual had actually smoked cigarettes.

Treatment of Tobacco Odor

Quit Smoking: This is the obvious and most definite way to eliminate the smell caused by tobacco. Even after quitting, it may take several weeks or more for the body to rid itself of the chemicals that cause foul body odor.

Avoid Smoky Places: Again, this is a rather obvious solution. Tobacco odors can be both strong and dangerous, so the best first defense is to avoid smoke whenever possible.

Wash Regularly: If you still smoke, or have to be in areas that are exposed to smoke it is important to take care to wash the smell off your body with a strong soap. One should pay special attention to hair and hairy parts of the body which seem to absorb smoke particularly well. They must be washed with smoke and water to help eliminate the smell.

Products:

• Vinegar: Adding vinegar or vinegar baking soda to your regular laundry cycle and detergent can help remove smoke odors.
• Clorox Bleach: this is very effective in removing bacteria and smells, but is often not good for colored fabrics. Website: www.clorox.com.
  

Sprays for Clothes and Fabrics: There are many sprays to get rid of odors from clothing or fabrics, but most of these simply are perfumed and mask the smell.   

Products:

Etiquette Spray: This spray created by Ecoteam stands out by chemically breaking down the molecules that cause the smoke smell and absorbing the remaining molecules, thereby eliminating the smell of smoke rather than just masking it. Website: www.ecoteamlab.com

Self-Treatment of Vaginal Odor:

For daily vaginal odors, good hygiene is the best weapon:
Wear lose cotton clothing: This is often referred to as clothing that “breathes," allowing air to flow and keep the vagina dryer. This stimulates the growth of healthy Lactobacillus bacteria and discourages the growth of the odor-causing Gardnerella. Avoid nylons or synthetic fabrics which trap heat, intensify sweat, and therefore allow more odor causing bacteria to grow. Cotton panties are best.
Bathe more often during menstruation: This is the simplest way to help combat extra sweat or excretions that may be caused by hormonal changes.
Change tampons or pads more frequently: This can prevent the build-up of smelly blood and bacteria byproducts. There are scented tampons and douches on the market, but these can disturb the natural flora of the vagina and actually do more harm than good.
Although it has been mentioned before, it bears mentioning again: Don't use douches to prevent vaginosis. Douches don't decrease the risk of developing vaginosis, they increase it. One study found that women who did not previously have vaginal odor, itch, or dryness but had used douches in the last two months were nearly 3 times more likely to develop vaginal odor in the next month than those who had not used douches. Once odor has developed, however, these douches are helpful on a short-term basis, never more than 2 weeks (to allow healthy bacteria to recover):

• Betadine is a form of anti-bacterial iodine that does not sting or burn, although it may stain undergarments. Use 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water, every other day for up to a week.
• Goldenseal, coptis, or barberry extract, 2 teaspoons (8 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water kills bacteria of all sorts. Use every other day for up to two weeks.
• Lithium succinate (available from compounding pharmacists) in up to 8% solution is helpful for women who develop vaginal odor while recovering from herpes. It controls both bacteria and the herpesvirus. Use every other day for up to two weeks.
• White vinegar, 2 tablespoons (24 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water kills odor-causing bacteria but encourages the growth of Lactobacillus.
• Borax and garlic are too harsh (and garlic is too smelly) for use in douches.
  

Remember, medication is a short-term remedy: Doctors often prescribe Flagyl (metronidazole) for vaginal odor. This antifungal drug is cheap, costing US $1 a day or less, about one-fifth the cost of the least expensive vaginal lotion, but it is not without its problems.

Flagyl leaves a metallic aftertaste when it's taken by mouth, and drinking alcohol while taking the drug can result in nausea or vomiting. And although Flagyl may control Gardnerella infection, it does nothing to reestablish the protective Lactobacillus bacteria. If these healthy bacteria are not restored, either by using probiotic yogurts or by using probiotic vaginal suppositories, the infection will return in about a month after discontinuing the drug.