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Anhidrosis


About this topic


The skin has small glands that make sweat. Sweating helps keep your body cool. Sometimes, a part of your body or your whole body may not sweat. The medical name for this is anhidrosis. You may not notice a mild case of this condition. By not sweating, you trap heat in your body. This can make you very sick. ‚  

What are the causes?


Problems with your sweat glands may be caused by many things like: ‚  
  • Nerve damage
  • Skin diseases or damage to your sweat glands
  • Burns
  • Alcoholism
  • Some illnesses like Parkinsons disease or amyloidosis
  • Fluid loss or dehydration
  • Some genetic or congenital syndromes
  • Some drugs

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Diseases that cause sweat glands to not work the right way
  • People with illnesses that cause too much fluid loss
  • Taking certain drugs like those that make you pass urine, drugs to control allergies, and blood pressure drugs

What are the main signs?


  • Little or no sweating
  • Flushing
  • Goose bumps on the skin, despite warm temperatures
  • Muscle cramps or pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Feeling hot
  • Nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


The doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor may feel the part of your skin that does not sweat. If your whole body does not make sweat, the doctor may check the part of the skin that most often makes sweat. You may be asked about activities that may have caused this problem. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Skin biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will take a skin sample and let the lab look at it under a microscope.
  • Silastic sweat imprint ¢ ˆ ’ A drop of your sweat will be collected using a rubbery material.
  • Thermoregulatory sweat test ¢ ˆ ’ Uses a powder that changes color when you sweat.
  • Axon reflex test ¢ ˆ ’ Tests the nerves that make sweat.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor may order drugs to treat the cause of your illness. You may also need to take steps to ease any heat-related problems. ‚  

Are there other health problems to treat?


  • Heat stroke
  • Muscle cramps because of high body temperature
  • Exhaustion
  • Fluid loss

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • Avoid going to places that are too hot, like going to the beach or baseball fields on hot days.
  • Adjust your room thermostat based on the weather. Make sure your room or house stays cool.
  • Stay indoors on hot days. If you must go outside, stay away from direct sunlight. Always bring an umbrella, fan, or a bottle of water when outdoors.
  • Wear loose, light clothing when its warm. Be careful not to wear too many layers when it is cool.
  • Take extra care with how much activity you do.
  • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Make the nerves work better
  • Lower fever
  • Replace body fluids

Will there be any other care needed?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid each day. This will help to prevent fluid loss. Put ice in your drinks to help lower your body temperature.
  • Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
  • Place a cold compress on your forehead or neck to help keep your temperature down.
  • Stay in a cool, shady area or room.
  • You may spray cool water on your skin or take a cool sponge bath.

Helpful tips


If you feel very tired and dizzy after an activity, have someone go with you to a cool, dimly-lit room. Wrap yourself in a damp towel and call your doctor right away. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


International Hyperhydrosis Society ‚  
http://www.sweathelp.org/en/where-do-you-sweat/other-sweating/anhidrosis-no-sweating.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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