Part 9

Treatment consists of puncturing the lesions and application of dusting-powder. Avoidance of the exciting cause (moist heat) is important.

#Anidrosis.#

#Describe anidrosis.#

It is the opposite condition of hyperidrosis, and is characterized by diminution or suppression of the sweat secretion. It occurs to some extent in certain systemic diseases and also in some affections of the skin, such as ichthyosis; nerve-injuries may give rise to localized sweat-suppression.

Treatment is based upon general principles; friction, warm and hot-vapor baths, electricity and similar measures are of service.

#Bromidrosis.# (Synonym: Osmidrosis.)

#Describe bromidrosis.#

Bromidrosis is a functional disturbance of the sweat-glands characterized by a sweat secretion of an offensive odor. The sweat production may be normal in quantity or more or less excessive, usually the latter. The condition may be local or general, commonly the former. It is closely allied to hyperidrosis, and may often be considered identical, the odor resulting from rapid decomposition of the sweat secretion. The decomposition and resulting odor have been thought due to the presence of bacteria.

#What parts are most commonly affected in bromidrosis?#

The feet and the axillæ.

#What is the treatment of bromidrosis?#

It is essentially the same as that of hyperidrosis (q. v.), consisting of applications of astringent lotions, dusting-powders, especially those containing boric acid and salicylic acid, and the continuous application of diachylon ointment. In obstinate cases weak formaldehyde solutions, Röntgen rays, and high-frequency currents can be tried.

#Chromidrosis.#

#Describe chromidrosis.#

This is a functional disorder of the sweat-glands characterized by a secretion variously colored, and usually increased in quantity. It is, as a rule, limited to a circumscribed area. The most common color is red. The condition is probably of neurotic origin and tends to recur. (True chromidrosis is extremely rare; most of the cases formerly thought to be such are now known to be examples of pseudochromidrosis.)

Treatment should be invigorating and tonic, with special reference toward the nervous system. The various methods of local electrization should also be resorted to.

Mild antiseptic and astringent lotions or dusting powders should also be advised.

Red chromidrosis or Pseudochromidrosis is a condition in which the coloring of the sweat occurs after its excretion and is due to the presence of chromatogenous bacteria which are found attached to the hairs of the part in agglutinated masses. The axilla is the favorite site. Treatment consists of frequent soap-and-water washings, and the application of boric acid, resorcin, and corrosive sublimate lotions.

#Uridrosis.#

#Describe uridrosis.#

Uridrosis is a rare condition in which the sweat secretion contains the elements of the urine, especially urea. In marked cases the salt may be noticeable upon the skin as a colorless or whitish crystalline deposit. In most instances it has been preceded or accompanied by partial or complete suppression of the renal functions.

#Phosphoridrosis.#

#Describe phosphoridrosis.#

Phosphoridrosis is a rare condition, in which the sweat is phosphorescent. It has been observed in the later stages of phthisis, in miliaria, and in those who have eaten of putrid fish.

#Seborrha (Eczema Seborrhoicum).# Synonyms: (Steatorrha; Acne sebacea; Ichthyosis sebacea; Dandruff.)

#What is seborrha?#

Seborrha is a disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by an excessive and abnormal secretion of sebaceous matter, appearing on the skin as an oily coating, crusts, or scales.

In many cases the sweat-glands are likewise implicated, and the process may also be distinctly, although usually mildly, inflammatory.