Anhidrosis - Mayo Clinic Anhidrosis By Mayo Clinic Staff Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally. When you don't sweat (perspire), your body can't cool itself, which can lead to overheating and sometimes to heatstroke — a potentially fatal condition. Anhidrosis — sometimes called hypohidrosis — can be difficult to diagnose. Mild anhidrosis often goes unrecognized. Dozens of factors can cause the condition, including skin trauma and certain diseases and medications. You can inherit anhidrosis or develop it later in life. Treatment of anhidrosis involves addressing the underlying cause, if one can be found. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Tay LK, et al. Acquired idiopathic anhidrosis: A diagnosis often missed.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014;71:499. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Extreme heat prevention guide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Products and Services CIPA - Genetics Home Reference CIPA Description Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) has two characteristic features: the inability to feel pain and temperature, and decreased or absent sweating (anhidrosis). This condition is also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV. The signs and symptoms of CIPA appear early, usually at birth or during infancy, but with careful medical attention, affected individuals can live into adulthood. An inability to feel pain and temperature often leads to repeated severe injuries. Unintentional self-injury is common in people with CIPA, typically by biting the tongue, lips, or fingers, which may lead to spontaneous amputation of the affected area.

In addition, people with CIPA heal slowly from skin and bone injuries. Repeated trauma can lead to chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) or a condition called Charcot joints, in which the bones and tissue surrounding joints are destroyed. Normally, sweating helps cool the body temperature. However, in people with CIPA, anhidrosis often causes recurrent, extremely high fevers (hyperpyrexia) and seizures brought on by high temperature (febrile seizures). In addition to the characteristic features, there are other signs and symptoms of CIPA. Many affected individuals have thick, leathery skin (lichenification) on the palms of their hands or misshapen fingernails or toenails. They can also have patches on their scalp where hair does not grow (hypotrichosis). About half of people with CIPA show signs of hyperactivity or emotional instability, and many affected individuals have intellectual disability. Some people with CIPA have weak muscle tone (hypotonia) when they are young, but muscle strength and tone become more normal as they get older. Related Information Genetic Changes Mutations in the NTRK1 gene cause CIPA.

The NTRK1 gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein that attaches (binds) to another protein called NGFβ. The NTRK1 receptor is important for the survival of nerve cells ( neurons ). The NTRK1 receptor is found on the surface of cells, particularly neurons that transmit pain, temperature, and touch sensations (sensory neurons). When the NGFβ protein binds to the NTRK1 receptor, signals are transmitted inside the cell that tell the cell to grow and divide, and that help it survive. Mutations in the NTRK1 gene lead to a protein that cannot transmit signals. Without the proper signaling, neurons die by a process of self-destruction called apoptosis. Loss of sensory neurons leads to the inability to feel pain in people with CIPA. In addition, people with CIPA lose the nerves leading to their sweat glands , which causes the anhidrosis seen in affected individuals. Anhidrosis: symptoms, cause, treatment, risks, complications, long-term outlook, prevention What is Anhidrosis? Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat in response to heat. People with anhidrosis have a dangerous inability to tolerate heat.

In situations where the weather is dry and hot, the inability to sweat can be life threatening. Anhidrosis can be life threatening because the body will overheat. If the lack of sweating is localized, it is usually not as dangerous. Anhidrosis may go unrecognized until a substantial amount of heat or exertion fails to cause sweating. Anhidrosis is also referred to as decreased sweating. What Causes Anhidrosis? What is anhidrosis? - Medical News Today What is anhidrosis? 5 Anhidrosis or hypohydrosis is a dysfunction in which a person is unable to sweat when they are hot. Anhidrosis refers to the complete absence of sweating, while hypohidrosis is when a person sweats less than normal. Sweating allows heat to be released from the body. If people cannot sweat properly, they cannot cool themselves, and this can be harmful. If the condition affects a small area of the body, it is not usually dangerous, but anhidrosis or hypohidrosis of the entire body can result in overheating and eventually heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. A person may not realize they have the condition until it is serious.

Contents of this article: Signs and symptoms of anhidrosis Anhidrosis or hypohydrosis is a dysfunction in which a person is unable to sweat. Anhydrosis may affect one part of the body only, two or more parts, or the whole body. The most common signs and symptoms associated with anhidrosis are: Abnormally poor or lack of sweating in response to heat or exertion Dizziness and weakness Flushing Sensitivity to raised temperatures, due to an inability to cool down. People in whom just part or parts of the body are affected may find that the unaffected parts sweat excessively, to try to compensate. One part of the body may be completely dry, while another is wet. If most of the body is affected, physical exertion or hot temperatures may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Causes of anhidrosis Anhidrosis occurs when the body's sweat glands do not work properly or at all.

Possible reasons include: Trauma to the nerves that control sweating Ross syndrome, a rare disorder of sweating associated with an absence of reflex and tonic pupil (a disorder that affects the pupil of the eye) Amyloidosis, a group of diseases in which one or more organ systems accumulate deposits of abnormal proteins known as amyloid Diabetic autonomic neuropathy , in which sweating is lost due to damage to the nervous system from poorly controlled glucose Long-term alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholic neuropathy Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic disorder of the immune system Lung cancer , which can cause anhidrosis on one side of the body and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) on the other Horner syndrome, caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system in the neck Skin conditions or skin damage, including severe burns and leprosy Trauma to the sweat glands Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma , a group of rare chronic, progressive autoimmune diseases in which connective tissues and the skin harden and tighten Plugged sweat gland ducts due to dead skin or bacterial infections. Graft-versus-host disease, in which immune cells from a bone marrow donor attack the bone marrow transplant recipient's sweat cells.

Drug-induced anhidrosis A number of medications can lead to anhidrosis. Antimuscarinic anticholinergic agents have a number of applications. They are sometimes used to control some of the side-effects of antipsychotics, as also known as neuroleptics or major tranquilizers. Examples include benzhexol, benztropine, biperiden, orphenadrine, and procyclidine. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are prescribed for clinical depression . They have anticholinergic side effects. TCAs have now mostly been replaced by antidepressants with fewer side effects. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used as antiglaucoma agents, diuretics, and antiepileptics. They can also help manage osteoporosis , duodenal and gastric ulcers, mountain sickness, and some neurological disorders. Examples include acetazolamide, methazolamide, dorzolamide, and topiramate. What is dehydration? Dehydration is when the body loses more fluids than it takes in because of diarrhea , vomiting, profuse sweating, frequent urination, skin burns, being at high altitude, or endurance sports, such as marathons.

Anhidrosis can be a symptom of severe dehydration. Some chronic diseases increase the risk of dehydration. These include adrenal gland disorders, cystic fibrosis , kidney disease and diabetes . Dehydration can normally be reversed by taking in fluids, but in severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary. Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, unless the person also drinks plenty of water. Diagnosing anhidrosis In an emergency situation, the health care team will take measures to cool the patient and administer fluids to stabilize him or her. Tests may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and rule out possible conditions or illnesses. A quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) measures the autonomic nerves that regulate sweating. It can assess disorders of the autonomic nervous system, peripheral neuropathies, and some other types of pain disorders. Electrodes filled with acetylcholine are placed on the wrist and different areas of the leg. Mild electrical stimulation is applied to the skin (iontophoresis), and acetylcholine, a naturally-occurring chemical, enters the skin. Acetylcholine stimulates the sweat glands, and sweat responses are measured.

A silastic sweat imprint test also uses electrodes, but pilocarpine is given to stimulate the sweat glands. An imprint of the sweat droplets appears as indentations on a material made of silicone rubber. A thermoregulatory sweat test assesses the thermo-regulatory sudomotor pathway of the whole body, and it measures sweat production in relation to an increase in core temperature. The patient's body is coated with alizarin red powder. When moist, the powder changes color from orange to purple. To monitor core temperature, a is inserted into the patient's mouth. To detect excessive surface heating, a thermal device is placed on the skin. The patient enters a chamber that is heated by infrared heating units. Temperature and humidity are carefully controlled.As the patient sweats, or not, the whole body is photographed. Computer scanning technology maps the areas of anhidrosis. A biopsy may help to examine the sweat glands and skin cells. Treatment options for anhidrosis People who do not sweat enough when doing exercise are at risk of developing heat stroke. Treatment will focus on the underlying condition that causes the anhidrosis. Patients with anhidrosis in only a small part of their body might not require any treatment.

Medications that have been reported to help include prednisolone, a corticosteroid and injection of a local anesthetic into the sympathetic nerve tissue in the neck. If the cause is unknown, treatment options are limited. People with the condition should avoid activities and environments that raise their core body temperature, and exercise should be done in a cool place, and preferably under supervision. Anhidrosis, hypohidrosis and heat stroke People who do not sweat enough, or at all, when doing exercise or in hot environments are at risk of developing heat stroke . Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause damage to the brain and the internal organs. It can be fatal. If a person develops heat stroke, it is important to call 9-1-1 and keep them as cool as possible. Written by Christian Nordqvist Click the stars to rate this article What is anhidrosis? What is anhidrosis? | HowStuffWorks What is anhidrosis? © iStockphoto.com /Fotosmurf03 You're always cool as a cucumber, despite excessive summer heat, an exercise class or new social situations. But just because you're not sweating doesn't mean you're truly composed.

You could have anhidrosis, the inability to perspire. Odds are you may not notice the signs of anhidrosis -- an absence of telltale underarm wetness, for instance -- until it reaches a potentially dangerous level. So why is sweating so important? It helps your body regulate its temperature. More precisely, it helps your body cool off as your internal temperature rises. One of the repercussions of not being able to sweat is that you may get heat stroke or, in the case of a fever, develop a temperature so high it causes a febrile seizure. Either scenario could prove deadly. Children are especially vulnerable if unable to sweat; they have are less able to regulate internal temperatures because of their size, so being able to perspire may mean the difference between health and death. Sweat On Sweating While Sleeping When you don't sweat, you may have to deal with other symptoms, too. Prolonged muscle cramps, dizziness and a perpetual feeling of being too hot become daily challenges -- especially for people who don't perspire over most of their bodies. But that's not always the case: Anhidrosis can occur in a single area or in scattered patches.

When this happens, other body areas that do sweat will try to make up the difference. This may be bothersome, but it's not usually dangerous. However, the prevalence of mild symptoms makes it difficult to recognize the condition until something goes really wrong, like getting overheated. That's one reason no one really knows how many people are affected; sometimes the symptoms go unnoticed -- even by physicians . With anhidrosis, it's not just that the sweat doesn't leave the body; it isn't produced in the first place. Sweat glands stop working for a number of reasons, ranging from nerve damage to skin trauma. The condition also may be inherited. Either a child is born with very few sweat glands, a malady known as hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, or has a genetic disorder that makes sweat glands malfunction. Anhidrosis can't be prevented, unless it's the temporary kind. Sometimes anhidrosis develops as a side effect of medications, including those used to treat bladder control, nausea, elevated blood pressure or psychiatric conditions. Most often, though, the body once again begins to perspire after the offending medications are discontinued -- as long as there aren't any pre-existing genetic factors at play.

Men and women are equally likely to be born with anhidrosis, but when it comes to developing the condition, women are more at risk as they age. Many older adults experience a decreased ability to sweat, but women seem especially likely to have problems perspiring. Treatment, whatever the age or gender, usually focuses on lifestyle: Staying in an air-conditioned environment when it's hot outside, wearing loose clothing (to encourage air circulation) and avoiding anything more than moderate exertion. Inability to Sweat - International Hyperhidrosis Society | Official Site Inability to Sweat Tweet Anhidrosis (also called hypohidrosis) is defined as an absence of sweating. Anhidrosis can affect small or large areas of the body and be caused by one or more of dozens of factors. No one knows exactly how many people are affected by anhidrosis. That's probably because people with mild cases of the condition may not even be aware that they have it, or, if they are, they may never report it to their healthcare providers. While hyperhidrosis sufferers may find themselves thinking that anhidrosis doesn't sound like such a bad thing, the truth is that being unable to sweat is potentially life threatening.

Sweat is essential to human survival because it serves as the body's coolant, getting rid of excess body heat (produced by your metabolism and working muscles) and protecting you from overheating. In fact, even people who don't have hyperhidrosis are constantly sweating; they just might not notice it. Whenever your body temperature begins to increase, your autonomic nervous system stimulates your eccrine sweat glands (the average person has 2.6 million of them) to secrete fluid onto the surface of your skin. As this fluid (called perspiration or sweat) evaporates, your body starts to cool down. Under normal circumstances, a single pea-sized bead of sweat can cool nearly 1 liter (about 1 quart) of blood by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Because they can't sweat and therefore can't cool their bodies, people with severe anhidrosis have trouble working and exercising and can be in serious danger if they attempt strenuous activity in high temperatures. Without being able to sweat, they are at high risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In extreme cases, or if these heat-related illnesses are not treated appropriately, coma or death can result.

Anhidrosis can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a group of symptoms associated with another disease. Anhidrosis can also occur after skin has been injured, because sweat glands are clogged or obstructed, as an inherited defect, or as a side effect of a medication. Given the wide range of reasons why a person may not be able to sweat, it's often difficult to pinpoint the true origin of the condition in an individual. For those people who suffer from anhidrosis on only small parts of their bodies, treatment is probably not necessary because sweat from other body areas can usually effectively compensate and keep the body cool. But for those people with large body areas affected, finding the cause of the problem is often crucial to finding a treatment. Factors that may lead to anhidrosis include (but are not limited to): Certain Drugs/Medications: In particular, antipsychotic medications used to treat serious mental disorders may interfere with normal functioning of the sweat glands. Also, medications with anticholinergic properties and calcium-channel blockers may cause anhidrosis. An Inherited Condition: It's rare but some people are born without sweat glands.

Males with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, for instance, suffer from this problem and are therefore at high risk of death from overheating (hyperthermia), especially in hot environments. Nerve Damage: Injuries to the nerves that help control some of the involuntary functions of the autonomic nervous system (which regulates your internal organs, sweat glands, and blood pressure, for instance) can interfere with the activity of your sweat glands. Such nerve damage may be caused by a number of medical problems including gout, B-vitamin deficiency, diabetes, and alcoholism. Clogged Ducts: Skin diseases and conditions that can block or clog sweat ducts (a problem called poral occlusion) are the most common causes of anhidrosis. This is, by the way, how antiperspirants work, albeit on a localized and temporary basis. Skin Injures: Injuries to the skin and sweat glands can also cause anhidrosis. Such injuries can occur due to major third-degree burns from fire, chemicals, electricity, medication overdose, and poisonings. Dehydration: This occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry on normal functions.

You can easily become dehydrated when you work or exercise in hot weather and don't drink enough fluids to replace what you've lost through perspiration. Other common causes of dehydration include persistent vomiting or diarrhea or the use of medications that increase the flow of urine (diuretics). If these problems last long enough, a person can eventually lose so much fluid that he or she is no longer able to sweat. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include thirst, weakness, and confusion. Severe dehydration can be fatal, particularly in older adults and children. Heat Stroke: Like dehydration, heat stroke can occur when you work or exercise strenuously in hot weather and don't drink enough to replace the fluids you've lost. Heatstroke is serious because it causes your body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress to shut down. Major signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (generally greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius) with hot, dry skin, confusion, and even coma. Heat stroke can be fatal. Treatment for anhidrosis depends on the cause and unfortunately many cases will not be easily treated. If you develop a noticeable decrease in sweating, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional.

Anhidrosis of a limited body area is usually not a problem, but anhidrosis over large portions of the body can dangerously limit your ability to keep cool. In such instances it's important to take steps to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration until you can discuss your anhidrosis problem with a healthcare professional. Editor's note: Our editors could not find an organization that supports the needs of anhidrosis sufferers or much information for the layperson on the condition. Anhidrosis Disease Reference Guide - Drugs.com A lack of perspiration can occur: Over most of your body (generalized) In a single area In scattered patches Areas that can sweat may try to produce more perspiration, so it's possible to sweat profusely on one part of your body and very little or not at all on another. Anhidrosis that affects a large portion of your body prevents proper cooling, so vigorous exercise, hard physical work and hot weather can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Anhidrosis can develop on its own or as one of several signs and symptoms of another condition, such as diabetes or skin injury.

When to see a doctor If you barely sweat, even when it's hot or you're working or exercising strenuously, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you notice you're sweating less than usual. Because anhidrosis increases your risk of heatstroke, seek medical care if you develop signs or symptoms of a heat-related illness, such as: Weakness Goose bumps on the skin, despite warm temperatures Causes Anhidrosis occurs when your sweat glands don't function properly, either as a result of a condition you're born with (congenital condition) or one that affects your nerves or skin. Dehydration also can cause anhidrosis. Sometimes the cause of anhidrosis can't be found.

Causes of anhidrosis include: Conditions you're born with, such as certain congenital displasias that affect the development of sweat glands Inherited conditions that affect your metabolic system, such as Fabry's disease Connective tissue diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, which causes dry eyes and mouth Skin damage, such as from burns or radiation therapy, or diseases that clog your pores (poral occlusion), such as psoriasis Conditions that cause nerve damage (neuropathy), such as diabetes, alcoholism and Guillain-Barre syndrome Certain drugs, such as morphine and botulinum toxin type A, and those used to treat psychosis. Risk factors Certain factors make anhidrosis more likely, including: Age. People age 65 and older, infants, and children are more prone to heat stress, which can contribute to anhidrosis. Certain health problems. Any medical condition that damages your autonomic nerves, such as diabetes, makes sweat gland problems more likely. Skin disorders. Many diseases that irritate or inflame the skin also affect the sweat glands.

They include psoriasis; exfoliative dermatitis, which is marked by severe skin scaling; heat rash; scleroderma, which causes hard, tight skin; and ichthyosis — extremely dry, scaly skin. Genetic abnormalities. Mutations in certain genes can lead to disorders that affect the sweat glands. Complications Heat-related illnesses are the most serious complications of anhidrosis. Children are especially vulnerable because their core temperatures rise faster than adults', and their bodies release heat less efficiently. Heat-related problems include: Heat cramps. These muscle spasms, which can tighten muscles in your legs, arms, abdomen and back, are generally more painful and prolonged than are typical nighttime leg cramps. Heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms such as weakness, nausea and a rapid heartbeat usually begin after strenuous exercise. Monitor someone with heat exhaustion because symptoms can quickly become worse. Heatstroke. This life-threatening condition occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can cause hallucinations, loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Preparing for your appointment You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner.

You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist). Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can do Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if you need to do anything to prepare, such as modifying your diet. Write down your symptoms, including ones that seem unrelated to your reason for scheduling an appointment. Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. List all medications, vitamins and supplements you take. Ask a family member or friend to come with you to help you remember information you're given. Write down a list of questions to ask your doctor. Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For anhidrosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Why don't certain parts of my body sweat? What tests do I need? What caused this condition? Will I always have this condition? What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? How can I best manage this condition with my other health conditions? Should I restrict activities? Do you have any brochures or other printed material for me? What websites do you recommend? Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including: When did you notice you weren't sweating? What parts of your body don't perspire? Are you aware of others in your family with similar symptoms? Do you have other symptoms? Does anything seem to improve your symptoms? What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? Did symptoms begin when you changed a medication or were diagnosed with another illness? Tests and diagnosis Your doctor is likely to suspect anhidrosis based on your signs and symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. But you may need certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include: Sweat test. During this test, known as thermoregulatory sweat test, you're coated with a powder that changes color when and where you sweat. You then enter a chamber that causes your body temperature to increase to a level that makes most people perspire. Digital photos document the results, and the whole body surface can be tested at once. Skin biopsy. In some cases, your doctor might request a biopsy of the area suspected of anhidrosis. For this test, skin cells and sometimes sweat glands are removed for examination under a microscope.

Treatments and drugs Anhidrosis that affects a small part of your body usually isn't a problem and doesn't need treatment. But large areas of decreased perspiration can be life-threatening. Treatments may depend on the condition that's causing the anhidrosis. Treating heat-related problems Overheating needs prompt treatment to prevent symptoms from becoming worse. Heat cramps Drink cool fruit juice or a sports drink that contains electrolytes Get medical care if cramps become worse or don't go away in about an hour Wait at least several hours before returning to strenuous activity Heat exhaustion Act quickly when someone develops signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat: Move the person into a shady or air-conditioned space, and elevate his or her legs slightly. Loosen the person's clothing, and remove any heavy pieces of clothing. Have the person drink a cool beverage that doesn't have caffeine or alcohol. Spray or sponge the person with cool water. If symptoms don't improve quickly, call 911 or emergency medical help. Heatstroke Heatstroke requires immediate medical care, so call 911 or emergency medical help. This condition can be fatal if left untreated.

Until help arrives: Move the person into a shady or air-conditioned space. Spray or sponge the person with cool water. Or wrap him or her in wet towels or sheets. Use a fan or newspaper to increase air circulation. Have the person drink a cool beverage that doesn't have caffeine or alcohol if he or she is able. Prevention Anhidrosis often can't be prevented, but serious heat-related illnesses can. To stay safe: Wear loose, light clothing when it's warm. Stay indoors on hot days. Monitor your activity level closely so you don't overdo. Learn the signs of heat-related illness and how to treat them. Last updated: December 13th, 2014 © 1998-2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of use Latest Drug Information Updates Anhidrosis Symptoms - Mayo Clinic A lack of perspiration can occur: Over most of your body (generalized) In a single area In scattered patches Areas that can sweat may try to produce more perspiration, so it's possible to sweat profusely on one part of your body and very little or not at all on another.

Anhidrosis that affects a large portion of your body prevents proper cooling, so vigorous exercise, hard physical work and hot weather can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Anhidrosis can develop on its own or as one of several signs and symptoms of another condition, such as diabetes or skin injury. When to see a doctor If you barely sweat, even when it's hot or you're working or exercising strenuously, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you notice you're sweating less than usual. Because anhidrosis increases your risk of heatstroke, seek medical care if you develop signs or symptoms of a heat-related illness, such as: Weakness Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Tay LK, et al.

Acquired idiopathic anhidrosis: A diagnosis often missed. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014;71:499. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Extreme heat prevention guide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. Products and Services MayoClinic.com Health Library - Anhidrosis Anhidrosis Definition Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally. When you don't sweat (perspire), your body can't cool itself, which can lead to overheating and sometimes to heatstroke — a potentially fatal condition. Anhidrosis — sometimes called hypohidrosis — can be difficult to diagnose. Mild anhidrosis often goes unrecognized. Dozens of factors can cause the condition, including skin trauma and certain diseases and medications. You can inherit anhidrosis or develop it later in life. Treatment of anhidrosis involves addressing the underlying cause, if one can be found.

Signs and symptoms of anhidrosis include: Little or no perspiration A lack of perspiration can occur: Over most of your body (generalized) In a single area In scattered patches Areas that can sweat may try to produce more perspiration, so it's possible to sweat profusely on one part of your body and very little or not at all on another. Anhidrosis that affects a large portion of your body prevents proper cooling, so vigorous exercise, hard physical work and hot weather can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Anhidrosis can develop on its own or as one of several signs and symptoms of another condition, such as diabetes or skin injury. When to see a doctor If you barely sweat, even when it's hot or you're working or exercising strenuously, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you notice you're sweating less than usual. Because anhidrosis increases your risk of heatstroke, seek medical care if you develop signs or symptoms of a heat-related illness, such as: Weakness Causes Anhidrosis occurs when your sweat glands don't function properly, either as a result of a condition you're born with (congenital condition) or one that affects your nerves or skin.

Dehydration also can cause anhidrosis. Sometimes the cause of anhidrosis can't be found. Causes of anhidrosis include: Conditions you're born with, such as certain congenital displasias that affect the development of sweat glands Inherited conditions that affect your metabolic system, such as Fabry's disease Connective tissue diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, which causes dry eyes and mouth Skin damage, such as from burns or radiation therapy, or diseases that clog your pores (poral occlusion), such as psoriasis Conditions that cause nerve damage (neuropathy), such as diabetes, alcoholism and Guillain-Barre syndrome Certain drugs, such as morphine and botulinum toxin type A, and those used to treat psychosis. Risk factors Certain factors make anhidrosis more likely, including: Age. People age 65 and older, infants, and children are more prone to heat stress, which can contribute to anhidrosis. Certain health problems. Any medical condition that damages your autonomic nerves, such as diabetes, makes sweat gland problems more likely. Skin disorders. Many diseases that irritate or inflame the skin also affect the sweat glands.

They include psoriasis; exfoliative dermatitis, which is marked by severe skin scaling; heat rash; scleroderma, which causes hard, tight skin; and ichthyosis — extremely dry, scaly skin. Genetic abnormalities. Mutations in certain genes can lead to disorders that affect the sweat glands. Heat-related illnesses are the most serious complications of anhidrosis. Children are especially vulnerable because their core temperatures rise faster than adults', and their bodies release heat less efficiently. Heat-related problems include: Heat cramps. These muscle spasms, which can tighten muscles in your legs, arms, abdomen and back, are generally more painful and prolonged than are typical nighttime leg cramps. Heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms such as weakness, nausea and a rapid heartbeat usually begin after strenuous exercise. Monitor someone with heat exhaustion because symptoms can quickly become worse. Heatstroke. This life-threatening condition occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can cause hallucinations, loss of consciousness, coma and even death. You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can do Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if you need to do anything to prepare, such as modifying your diet. Write down your symptoms, including ones that seem unrelated to your reason for scheduling an appointment. Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. List all medications, vitamins and supplements you take. Ask a family member or friend to come with you to help you remember information you're given. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For anhidrosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Why don't certain parts of my body sweat? What tests do I need? What caused this condition? Do you have any brochures or other printed material for me? What websites do you recommend? Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well. What to expect from your doctor Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including: When did you notice you weren't sweating? What parts of your body don't perspire? Are you aware of others in your family with similar symptoms? Do you have other symptoms?

Does anything seem to improve your symptoms? What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? Did symptoms begin when you changed a medication or were diagnosed with another illness? Tests and diagnosis Your doctor is likely to suspect anhidrosis based on your signs and symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. But you may need certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include: Sweat test. During this test, known as thermoregulatory sweat test, you're coated with a powder that changes color when and where you sweat. You then enter a chamber that causes your body temperature to increase to a level that makes most people perspire. Digital photos document the results, and the whole body surface can be tested at once. Skin biopsy. In some cases, your doctor might request a biopsy of the area suspected of anhidrosis. For this test, skin cells and sometimes sweat glands are removed for examination under a microscope. Hypohidrosis (Absent Sweating) Hypohidrosis (Absent Sweating) Written by Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, CCRN Medically Reviewed by Email addresses will not be shared with 3rd parties. See privacy policy Thank you. Your message has been sent.

OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Read This Next What Is Hypohidrosis? Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself off. Some people aren’t able to sweat normally because their sweat glands are no longer functioning properly. This condition is known as hypohidrosis, or anhidrosis. It can affect your entire body, a single area, or scattered areas. The inability to sweat normally can cause overheating. This can lead to heat stroke, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Hypohidrosis can be difficult to diagnose. This means that mild hypohidrosis often goes unnoticed. The condition has many causes. It can be inherited at birth or develop later in life. What Causes Hypohidrosis? As you age, it’s normal for your ability to sweat to diminish. Conditions that damage your autonomic nerves, such as diabetes, also make problems with your sweat glands more likely. Nerve Damage Any condition that causes nerve damage can disrupt the functioning of your sweat glands.

This includes: Ross syndrome, which is a rare disorder characterized by sweating and pupils that don’t dilate properly ichthyosis Medications Taking certain medications, particularly those known as anticholinergics, can result in reduced sweating. These medications have side effects that include a sore throat, dry mouth, and reduction in perspiration. Inherited Some people may inherit a damaged gene that causes their sweat glands to malfunction. An inherited condition called “hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia” causes people to be born with either very few or no sweat glands. What Are the Symptoms of Hypohidrosis? The symptoms of hypohidrosis include: minimal sweating even when other people are sweating heavily dizziness a flushed appearance feeling overly hot Mild hypohidrosis may go unnoticed unless you engage in vigorous exercise and become overheated because you’re not sweating normally. How Is Hypohidrosis Diagnosed? Your doctor will need to take a thorough medical history to diagnose this condition. You should share all symptoms that you’ve experienced with your doctor. This includes breaking out in a red rash or skin flushing when you should be sweating. It’s important to tell them if you sweat in some parts of your body but not in others.

Your doctor may use any of the following tests to confirm a diagnosis of hypohidrosis: During the axon reflex test, small electrodes are being used to stimulate your sweat glands. The volume of sweat produced is measured. The silastic sweat imprint test measures where you sweat. During the thermoregulatory sweat test, your body is coated with a powder that changes color in areas where you sweat. You enter a chamber that causes your body temperature to reach a level at which most people would sweat. During a skin biopsy, some skin cells and perhaps some sweat glands are removed and examined under a microscope. How Is Hypohidrosis Treated? Hypohidrosis that affects only a small part of your body usually won’t cause problems and may not require treatment. If an underlying medical condition is causing hypohidrosis, your doctor will treat that condition. This may help reduce your symptoms. If medications are causing your hypohidrosis, your doctor may recommend trying another medication or reducing your dosage. While this isn’t always possible, adjusting medications may help to improve sweating. Can Hypohidrosis Be Prevented? It may not be possible to prevent hypohidrosis, but you can take steps to avoid serious illnesses related to overheating.

Wear loose clothing that’s in light colors, and don’t overdress when it’s hot. Stay inside if possible, and take care not to overexert yourself when it’s hot. You can also take steps to cool your body off and avoid overheating. This includes applying water or cool cloths to your skin to make you feel like you're sweating. When the water evaporates, you’ll feel cooler. If it’s left untreated, hypohidrosis can cause your body to overheat. Overheating requires quick treatment to prevent it from worsening into heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. You should call 911 or visit an emergency room if you’re having a heat stroke. Article Resources Article resources Cheshire, W. P., & Fealey, R. D. Drug-induced hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis: Incidence, prevention and management [Abstract]. (2008). Drug Safety, 31(2), 109-126. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, December 13). Anhidrosis: Definition. Retrieved from Pariser, D. M. (2013, April).

Hypohidrosis. Retrieved from

Question: The medical condition anhidrosis is the inability to do what?
Answer: Sweat