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What Does A Strange Odor From Forearm Suggest?
Question: I have a strange odor like singed hair or an electrical burn which emenates only from my right forarm and no place else. Can't figure it out and it started 2 days ago. Odor is stronger and more pungent when sweating but only limited to that right forearm area???
Brief Answer:
Local infection should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Such odor on the forearm area that you described can be due to an infection of the skin or hair follicles associated with the forearm. The lymph nodes of the axilla on the right side need to be examined along with the epitrochlear node for evidence of any lymphadenopathy. Investigations including TLC count, Fasting blood sugar, ESR/CRP, HBA1C , Urine R/E should be done as part of the workup.If there is no evidence of any focus of infection or skin breach upon physical exam then your doctor should perceive the smell for himself as well as two other observers to limit bias in perceiving the smell. If all detect the smell then antiseptic wash with pyodine and thorough scrub should be done to see for disappearance of the smell. If the smell is not detected by any observer then a neurological and ENT exam should be done to ascertain any issue with the olfactory nerve or nasal mucosa, in consult with your doctor.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Local infection should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Such odor on the forearm area that you described can be due to an infection of the skin or hair follicles associated with the forearm. The lymph nodes of the axilla on the right side need to be examined along with the epitrochlear node for evidence of any lymphadenopathy. Investigations including TLC count, Fasting blood sugar, ESR/CRP, HBA1C , Urine R/E should be done as part of the workup.If there is no evidence of any focus of infection or skin breach upon physical exam then your doctor should perceive the smell for himself as well as two other observers to limit bias in perceiving the smell. If all detect the smell then antiseptic wash with pyodine and thorough scrub should be done to see for disappearance of the smell. If the smell is not detected by any observer then a neurological and ENT exam should be done to ascertain any issue with the olfactory nerve or nasal mucosa, in consult with your doctor.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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