Sweating, absent

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 not as dangerous.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of absent sweating. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for absent sweating, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

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 Healthcare 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:
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

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to absent sweating to your personal medical record.