Bromhidrosis
1. [noun] profuse odorous sweat, especially from the feet , caused by the breakdown of short-chain fatty acids, especially isovaleric acid. [Emphasis added]
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/bromhidrosis
2. [noun] etymology: Gk, bromos, stench, hidros, sweat - an abnormal condition in which the apocrine sweat has an unpleasant odor. The odor is usually caused by bacterial decomposition of perspiration on the skin. Treatment includes frequent bathing, changing of socks and underclothes, and use of deodorants, antibacterial soaps, and dusting powders
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/bromhidrosis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bromhidrosis differ from usual foot perspiration in everyday scenarios?
Bromhidrosis is characterized by an unusually strong, unpleasant odor in foot sweat, arising from bacterial breakdown of fatty acids. Unlike normal perspiration, it produces a marked smell that stands out during everyday activities.
In what way does the Greek etymology of bromhidrosis enhance our understanding of foot odor issues?
The term combines 'bromos' meaning stench and 'hidros' meaning sweat, directly linking the condition to the notably pungent odor of foot sweat. This etymology helps illustrate why the smell is unusually intense compared to regular perspiration.