Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What does bromhidrosis refer to?

1. Excessive sweating without odor

2. Strong, foul-smelling body odor related to sweat

3. Reduced sweat production leading to dryness

4. Normal body odor after physical activity

The correct answer is: Strong, foul-smelling body odor related to sweat

Bromhidrosis refers specifically to a condition characterized by strong, foul-smelling body odor that is often associated with perspiration. This unpleasant odor is caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin, which produces chemical byproducts known as volatile organic compounds. Unlike other conditions that may relate to sweat, bromhidrosis indicates a significant issue where body odor is not merely a byproduct of normal sweating but produces a distinct and often socially distressing scent. The other options describe different conditions, such as excessive sweating without odor, which does not capture the essence of bromhidrosis, or reduced sweat production leading to dryness, which is unrelated to odor. A normal body odor after physical activity is also not indicative of bromhidrosis, as this odor is typically mild and temporary, while bromhidrosis denotes a more persistent and pronounced smell.