Bromidrosis

BROMIDROSIS, or bromhidrosis, or osmidrosis, sweating with a foul odor; occurs with excessive sweating as a complication. It is observed symmetrically, mainly on the soles, as well as in the armpits and groin folds. Generalized bromidrosis is rare. In some races, sweat has an especially unpleasant rancid odor. The odor of sweat depends on the excessive content of volatile fatty acids (especially in obese persons) and ammonium sulfide. Usually, the odor arises under the influence of secondary decomposition of sweat in the presence of various microorganisms (Bacterium foetidum Thin) and fungi. In certain diseases (e.g., measles, scarlet fever, diabetes mellitus, rickets), sweat acquires a special odor. Some medicinal substances (valerian, musk, turpentine, Asa foetida, phosphorus, as well as garlic, asparagus, etc.) can cause odorous sweat. Predisposing factors: neglect of cleanliness rules, uric acid diathesis, abnormal structure of the vascular system, nervous disorders. Treatment: thorough cleanliness, frequent changing of stockings, soap and disinfectant washes (formalin, alum, sublimate, tannin, soda up to 1%), indifferent drying powder with an admixture of salicylic or tartaric acid (1%), Magisterium bismuthi and other substances. According to Darier, a good effect is obtained from washes with a 1-5% solution of acetic acid.