Chromhidrosis is a skin condition that is characterized by the secretion of colored sweat glands that appears on the face, underarms and breast areola. It is a rare disorder that affects any age, gender, and race. Medical specialists have a little knowledge about chromhidrosis due to a few reports about this disease.

Cause

The sweat can be seen as green, blue, black or brown. These colors are due to a pigment called Lipofuscin. It is normally found in human body cells, but a higher concentration of it can cause chromhidrosis. Another possible cause is an infection in the blood that mixes with the sweat. There are two sweat glands namely eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine is responsible for secreting clear fluid that regulates body temperature while Apocrine secretes thick, milky sweat that can cause body odor. Chromhidrosis is believed to originate in the apocrine glands.

Though chromhidrosis has no further basis for its effects associated with geography, it seems that African people are more prone to this condition.

Symptom

There are two reported symptoms of chromhidrosis. An affected person can feel a prickly or warmth sensation and a mild sweat discoloration will first appear on the skin.

Treatment

Topical capsaicin cream may be applied to the affected area of the skin. If the effect is severe, a consultation with a doctor should be done. The treatment of chromhidrosis needs to be maintained as it is a chronic disorder.

Like any other skin conditions, the symptoms of chromhidrosis are the ones that can be treated and not the disease itself. If left untreated, it may cause a psychosocial effect that limits a person to live peacefully as he may be too conscious of his appearance to the public.

Conclusion

Chromhidrosis is an irritating skin disease that should be treated to avoid any other serious cases. If you know someone who is suffering from this condition, you may lead him to the nearest clinic so he can be guided on how he can manage it.