Sweat disorders

Question 1

Anhidrosis

Answer 1

Diminished/absent sweat production

Skin is dry due to lack of water

Rehydration via emollients

Question 2

Bromidrosis

Answer 2

Significant malodour of feet caused by bacteria that colonise the skin

Often a secondary complication of hyperhidrosis

Question 3

Hyperhidrosis

Answer 3

Excessive sweating that is caused by:

• PSEUDO-HYPERHIDROSIS
• SYSTEMIC HYPERHIDROSIS
• IDIOPTHIC HYPERHIDROSIS

Question 4

Pseudo-hyperhidrosis

Answer 4

Not a pathological condition, but related to general/environmental factors

When environmental factors are removed, sweat production is normal

Question 5

Systemic hyperhidrosis

Answer 5

Systemic problem causes excessive sweating

No abnormality with sweat glands

Question 6

Idiopathic (true) hyperhidrosis

Answer 6

Excessive sweating caused by increased outflow of sudomotor (sweat gland innervation) stimuli

Question 7

Hyperhidrosis treatment

Answer 7

Education of hygiene and footwear is important.

Absorbent foot powders

Anti-perspirants (e.g. aluminium chlorohydrate)

Astringent lotion (e.g. methylated spirits, formalin, potassium permanganate)

SEVERE

• Iontophoresis (electric water bath)
• Botox-A injections
• Surgery

Question 8

Pitted keratolysis

Answer 8

Superficial bacteria infection - affects plantar surface of foot (Corynebacterium)

Occurs in presence of hyperhidrosis

Errodes horny layer of skin and causes round pits

Question 9

Miliara rubra

Answer 9

Erythematous (red) papulovesicular rash caused by blockage of sweat ducts

TREATMENT

• Cooling and drying skin
• Foot soaks, swabbing, foot powders