Sweating, absent

Alternative names:

anhidrosis; decreased sweating

Definition:

Abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat.

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:

• neurologic or skin disorders
• congenital disorder
• some drugs such as phenothiazines
• trauma to sweat glands
• burns
• heatstroke
• dehydration

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.