Yellow pseudochromhidrosis in a young female

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Chromhidrosis, a rare disorder, involves pigmented sweat, classified into apocrine, pseudoeccrine, and true eccrine types.
• Pseudochromhidrosis is characterized by colorless sweat that gains color from external chromogenic chemicals.
• This condition, while not a major health concern, can lead to significant psychological distress and social embarrassment.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old female presented with a one-month history of yellow-colored sweat and associated clothing discoloration.
• Standard laboratory investigations, skin scrapings (for fungus and bacteria), and skin biopsy results were all within normal limits.
• The patient's presentation was diagnosed as pseudochromhidrosis.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of pseudochromhidrosis was established based on the clinical presentation and negative microbiological/histopathological findings.
• Treatment involved the prescription of both oral and topical antibiotics.
• The patient demonstrated a positive clinical response to the antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

• This case highlights pseudochromhidrosis as a diagnosis to consider in patients presenting with colored sweat, especially when routine tests are normal.
• Antibiotic therapy appears to be an effective treatment modality for pseudochromhidrosis, alleviating symptoms and associated psychosocial distress.
• Further research into the specific chromogenic agents and mechanisms involved in pseudochromhidrosis could refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.