Teenagers don’t notice their sweaty armpits because they can’t smell it

Parents of teenagers will know more than any that adolescents can kick up a bit of a stink every now and again – but it turns out it’s not their fault.

Scientists from Aarhus University in Denmark have carried out tests on teens and discovered that they are simply unable to smell sweat as well as adults.

This goes some way in explaining why a group of students on the bus will be a little pongy.

As well as sweat, teenagers were notably less likely to be able to smell cigarette smoke and soap, according to the study.

However, they were more likely to be able to detect smells like junk food and ketchup.

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Researchers tested dozens of odours on 410 people aged under 50 and while nearly everyone was able to detect the overpowering smells of things like petrol and coffee, there was a marked difference when it came to other odours.

One in seven youngsters failed to recognise sweat and 10% failed to identify cigarette smoke, compared to grown-ups, who scored 92% and 97% respectively.

Adults were also more able to detect smells including bread, lemon and various herbs and spices.

However, those aged 12-18 were more able to smell ketchup, sweets, biscuits and coke – staple foods for any teenager.

Alexander Fjaelstad, lead author of the study, published in the journal Chemical Senses, said that youngsters needed more time to get used to various smells before they were easily able to recognise them.

He said: “Our findings in adolescents are in line with the hypothesis that children may lack odour-specific knowledge which accumulates throughout life.

Though odours are potent triggers of autobiographical memories from as far back as the first decade of life – and in a way closely linked to memory – the ability to name odours is an acquired skill that takes years to master.”

Top pic: Rex/posed by model