Author: Dr Duncan Lyons, Resident Medical Officer, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Medical Editor: Dr Helen Gordon, Auckland, New Zealand. DermNet Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. July 2020. Revised January 2021
What are the clinical features of pseudochromhidrosis?
Pseudochromhidrosis can affect any body area, however face, neck and palms are the most commonly involved sites.
The colour of the sweat depends on the underlying chromogen or dye. The stain may be seen on the skin or clothing, and can be removed with a moistened wipe or alcohol swab.
Pseudochromhidrosis is usually asymptomatic but may cause embarrassment for the patient.
What is the differential diagnosis of pseudochromhidrosis?
Pseudochromatosis is diagnosed by taking a thorough history and checking for any possible contact on the skin with chemicals, dyes, and coloured clothing. Check for possible risk factors for skin infection.
Wood lamp examination - may be positive if infection is due to porphyrin-producing bacteria
Normal results of liver and kidney function tests excluding jaundice and uraemia.
What is the treatment of pseudochromhidrosis?
Pseudochromhidrosis is easily treatable as it is due to an extrinsic cause.
Treatment is most commonly with antiseptic soap and/or antibiotics including topical clindamycin, topical and/or oral erythromycin for 1 to 2 weeks, even when culture-negative. Any predisposing cause for the infection, such as use of a topical steroid, should be ceased.
When an exogenous chemical or dye has been identified as the cause, avoidance quickly resolves the condition.
What is the prognosis for pseudochromhidrosis?
Pseudochromhidrosis resolves once the cause has been identified and removed or treated.
References
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