Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the condition known as when there is a foul-smelling sweat?

1. Hidradenitis

2. Bromhidrosis

3. Hyperhidrosis

4. Anhidrosis

The correct answer is: Bromhidrosis

The condition characterized by foul-smelling sweat is known as bromhidrosis. This odor results from the breakdown of sweat by bacteria present on the skin. Sweat itself is generally odorless, but when it comes into contact with skin bacteria, it can create unpleasant smells. Understanding the nature of bromhidrosis is important for estheticians, as they may encounter clients experiencing this issue. It typically occurs in areas of the body where there are apocrine glands, such as the underarms, groin, or feet. Other conditions mentioned in the choices relate to sweat in different ways. For instance, hidradenitis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the sweat glands, leading to painful lumps or abscesses but not specifically to foul-smelling sweat. Hyperhidrosis describes excessive sweating and does not address odor, while anhidrosis is the inability to sweat, which obviously does not involve issues of smell.