Explainer | People allergic to me: rare skin condition PATM causes sufferers to emit toxic odours that can make those around them ill
- PATM stands for people allergic to me, a very rare skin condition whose sufferers emit toxic odours that can cause allergy-like reactions in those around them
- People with the little understood disorder suffer mental anguish and may end up socially isolated. More research into its causes is needed, say experts
Toxic people exist. Literally.
Some people emit toxic odours that can make those in their vicinity feel ill. On the popular Reddit website, “toxic” individuals speak openly about their everyday struggles. Many of these people believe that other people are allergic to them.
When they come into close contact with friends, family members or work colleagues, it isn’t long before people start sneezing and coughing, and their noses start running. The disorder is called “people allergic to me” (PATM).
A recent study carried out by a team of Japanese researchers and published in Scientific Reports sheds some light on this phenomenon.
The researchers in the field of biochemistry found that study participants in the PATM group released considerably more compounds with noxious odours through their skin than those who did not suffer from the condition.
Those who identify themselves as PATM become depressed and avoid communication with others, deepening their social isolation
To be specific, the “toxic” individuals emitted five times more mercaptans – organic components of hydrocarbons with sulphur that resemble rotten cabbage or garlic; 50 times more acetone, an organic compound found in both paint and varnish remover; six times more hexanal, a molecule found in black walnuts and tea, and; 40 times more toluene, a hydrocarbon found in crude oil.
