Eccrine chromhidrosis secondary to hyperbilirubinemia

Dermatol Online J. 2014 Dec 14;21(3):13030/qt6hz8s1mh.

Abstract

Background: Eccrine chromhidrosis, or colored eccrine sweating, may be caused by contamination of sweat by dyes, pigmentation from microorganisms, or more rarely, hyperbilirubinemia. Pigment usually affects the palms and soles, where abundant sweat glands are found.Purpose, Material and Methods: We report a unique case of eccrine chromhidrosis in the setting of hyperbilirubinemia and review the current literature available on PubMed of previously reported cases.

Results: Six patients with chromhidrosis have been previously reported in the setting of significant hyperbilirubinemia, in association with fever and thickened stratum corneum.

Conclusions: Eccrine chromhidrosis secondary to hyperbilirubinemia is very rare, but can be diagnosed on the basis of classic clinical findings, dermoscopic examination, and negative tissue cultures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fingers / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Sweat Gland Diseases / etiology*
  • Sweat Gland Diseases / pathology*
  • Thigh / pathology