People Allergic to People? Scientists Dive into the Investigation of a Syndrome as Bizarre as Alarming
The world of allergies has always been unpredictable: from reactions to invisible pollen to severe shocks from a simple nut. However, there’s a syndrome that takes it to a whole new level. It’s called , a syndrome where it’s not the individual who suffers, but those around them.
The syndrome that bothers others
People who claim to suffer from do not exhibit typical allergy symptoms. The issue arises in those nearby: sneezing, coughing, sudden hives. , while rare, is backed by scientific reports and has a noticeable social impact: the mere presence of the affected person can disrupt an environment.
An unexpected chemical clue
The team led by Yoshika Sekine, a professor at Tokai University in Japan, studied the volatile compounds on the skin of patients with . Among the 75 detected, one stood out significantly: toluene, a hydrocarbon found in paints and glues, was found in concentrations up to 39 times higher than normal.
Genetics, environment, and a puzzle to solve
often has genetic roots, but environmental factors like pollution can exacerbate symptoms. In the case of , researchers propose a disruption in the metabolism of toluene, leading to its accumulation and excessive release through the skin. This hypothesis still requires further extensive testing.
