1. Bromhidrosis
WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW WE CAN HELP
OURSELVES

2. Definition of Bromhidrosis
 Bromhidrosis, also known as bromidrosis or body odor, is a common phenomenon in postpubertal
individuals.
 In rare cases, bromhidrosis may become pathologic if it is particularly overpowering or if the
bromhidrosis significantly interferes with the lives of the affected individuals.
 Bromhidrosis is a chronic condition in which excessive odor, usually an unpleasant one, emanates
from the skin.
 Bromhidrosis, determined largely by apocrine gland secretion, can substantially
 impair a person's quality of life.
 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview
 Retrieved April 7, 2011

3. Pathophysiology
 Eccrine Glands
Distributed over the entire skin surface
Eccrine Brom- May be caused by ingesting some foods including garlic, onion, curry,
alcohol, penicillin, or underlying metabolic causes
Apocrine Glands
Limited distribution throughout axilla, genital skin, and breasts
Odor due to bacterial decomposition of an oily fluid released from the apocrine glands
Apocrine Brom- Most prevalent form of bromhidrosis
Apoecrine glands
Become apparent between the ages of 8 to 14 years. Contributes heavily to overall
axillary sweating.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0104

4. One Interesting Fact
 **Findings show that eccrine glands are found in the
dermis while apocrine glands are located in the
subcutaneous tissue.
 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0104

5. The Effect of Hyperhidrosis on Bromhidrosis
 Hyperhidrosis may lead to bromhidrosis by creating
a moist environment.
 Conversely, Hyperhidrosis may prevent
bromhidrosis when excessive sweating washes away
the odor causing bacteria.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0199

6. Frequency of Diagnosis
Frequency
 United States
Bromhidrosis is generally considered rare. Although those with darker skin are
more likely to suffer this condition.
 International
 The diagnosis of bromhidrosis is more common in many Asian countries
 In Asian countries minimal body odor is associated with personal distress, and can
be diagnosed as bromhidrosis
 The social stigma of body odor leads more patients to seek treatment in these
countries than in other countries
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0199

7. Race and Brom
Race
 Apocrine bromhidrosis is believed to be more common in patients in dark-skinned ethnic
groups than in others.
 In Asian patients, apocrine bromhidrosis may be associated with a positive family
history.
 Eccrine bromhidrosis occurs in persons of all races.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0199

8. Sex and Age regarding Brom
Sex
Bromhidrosis exhibits a male predominance, which may be a reflection of greater
apocrine gland activity in men compared with women.
Age
 Axillary bromhidrosis depends on apocrine function and therefore manifests exclusively
after puberty. It occurs only rarely in the elderly population.
 In contrast, eccrine bromhidrosis is more common than apocrine bromhidrosis during
childhood, but it may occur at any age.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-overview#a0199

9. Physical Characteristics
Odor described as the following:
 Rancid
 Musty
 Pungent
 Sour
May occur as the following:
 Genital
 Plantar
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-clinical

10. Brom and Metabolic Disorders
 Bromhidrosis is a metabolic and functional disease not typically associated with
any anatomic disturbance.
 Therefore, results of physical examination of patients with axillary
bromhidrosis are usually unremarkable.
 The skin appears normal most often, with a few exceptions.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072342-clinical#a0217

11. Causes of Brom
 Apocrine and eccrine gland sweating and the breakdown of bacteria
 Eccrine brom may be caused my metabolic disorders and disturbances in amino acid
metabolism
 Ingestion of Certain Foods and Drugs

12. Let’s Discuss Ways to Manage It
 The International Hyperhidrosis Society may have some
helpful hints although they often don’t address Brom in
detail. Brochures available.