Cyanhidrosis is a medical condition that causes sweat to appear blue or blue-green in color. The spelling of this word can be broken down into three parts: "cyan" meaning blue, "hidr" meaning sweat, and "osis" meaning a condition or disease. The correct pronunciation of cyanhidrosis is /saɪˌæn.haɪˈdroʊ.sɪs/, where the "c" in "cyan" is pronounced as "s", the "y" is pronounced as "ai", and the stress is on the second syllable. Overall, the spelling accurately reflects the meaning and origin of this condition.
Cyanhidrosis is a medical term derived from the combination of two words: "cyan" referring to the blue-green color, and "hidrosis" meaning excessive sweating. It is a rare and unusual condition characterized by the abnormal production of colored sweat, which appears in shades of varying intensity ranging from light blue to green.
In cyanhidrosis, sweat glands, predominantly in the apocrine sweat glands located in areas such as the armpits or the groin, produce colored sweat that can stain clothes or skin. The exact cause of cyanhidrosis remains unclear, but it is thought to occur due to the presence of certain pigments or dyes in the body. These pigments may originate from ingesting or absorbing certain medications, foods, or substances.
Symptoms of cyanhidrosis include the production of colored sweat when sweating, resulting in stained skin, clothing, or even sweat-related materials such as bedding. Despite the unusual appearance, cyanhidrosis is generally a benign condition in terms of accompanying discomfort or physical symptoms. However, affected individuals may experience emotional distress or embarrassment due to the visible coloration of their sweat.
Diagnosis of cyanhidrosis is typically based on the distinct observation of colored sweat during episodes of excessive perspiration. Medical professionals may conduct additional tests to rule out other potential causes or underlying conditions that might contribute to the manifestation of this condition. Treatment options for cyanhidrosis are limited, but may involve managing the symptoms by avoiding triggers such as certain medications or food additives, using antiperspirants, or counseling for those experiencing emotional distress or reduced self-esteem due to their condition.
Cyanephidrosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word cyanhidrosis is comprised of two Greek roots: cyanos meaning blue or dark blue-green and hidrosis meaning sweating. Therefore, the etymology of cyanhidrosis can be understood as blue sweating.