|
|
|
|
|
| Definition: |
Abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Decreased sweating; Anhidrosis
|
| Considerations: |
Anhidrosis sometimes goes unrecognized until a substantial amount of heat or exertion fails to cause sweating.
Overall lack of sweating can be life threatening because the body will overheat. If the lack of sweating is localized, it is usually not as dangerous. |
| Common Causes: |
- neurologic disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome
- skin diseases that block sweat glands
- congenital disorders including as ectodermal dysplasia
- some drugs
- trauma to sweat glands
- burns
- dehydration
|
| Home Care: |
| If there is a danger of overheating, take a cold shower or sit in a cool bathtub and drink plenty of fluids. Remain in a cool environment. Move slowly during hot weather. Avoid heavy exercise and hot foods. |
| Call your health care provider if: |
- there is generalized lack of sweating (home care should be used while waiting to see the doctor).
- there is any abnormal lack of sweating when exposed to heat or strenuous exercise.
|
| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. In emergencies (where rapid cooling measures and fluid replacement will be initiated) the patient will be stabilized first.
Medical history questions documenting absent sweating in detail may include:
- time pattern
- When did this begin?
- Has it been present since infancy or childhood?
- location
- Is it only on one side of the forehead?
- Is it on the whole body?
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
- drugs administered to stimulate sweating
- topical substance applied to the skin
- the person may be placed in a sweat box for observation
- the person may be wrapped in an electric blanket to observe sweat patterns
- a skin biopsy may be performed
|
|
|
Review Date: 11/11/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
