Brown secretion from skin

[Dr B]

I currently have a significant secretion of brown substance coming from my skin in my sweat. I have had this for about 15 years. I noticed this first when I was taking a certain high blood pressure medicine that seemed to drive this substance (in a solid form)out through my pours and especially the inner soles of my feet and the edge of my penis and my hands. These seem to be the most visable exits. This material (substance) stinks and has basically ruined my car, my clothes and whatever I come in constant contact with. I recently volunteered for a couple of hours at my local hospital health club, and noticed when I wear the latex gloves to process linen, that I have brown spots on different parts of my hands. My hands sweat because of the heat but the brown excretion is not over the whole hand, but in random spots on my fingers and wrists. The brown substance stains the gloves. I believe this is not a normal condition and it's very annoying. Are there any tests to discover what this substance might be?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There is a condition called bromhidrosis, in which there is colored sweat.  However, this does not produce a solid secretion, does not "stink," and does not ruin cars and clothes.  I therefore cannot identify what you have.  You will need to show it to someone in person.

Dr. Rockoff