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Anhidrosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Anhidrosis is a condition in which the sweat glands produce little or no sweat, impairing the body's ability to regulate temperature and increasing the risk of overheating.

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Things worth knowing about "Anhidrosis"

Anhidrosis is a condition in which the sweat glands produce little or no sweat, impairing the body's ability to regulate temperature and increasing the risk of overheating.

What is Anhidrosis?

Anhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by the inability to sweat normally. Since sweating is the body's primary cooling mechanism, anhidrosis can lead to dangerous overheating (hyperthermia) and, in severe cases, life-threatening heat stroke. The condition may affect the entire body or be limited to specific regions.

Causes

Anhidrosis can result from a variety of underlying causes:

Nerve damage: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, or Fabry disease can damage the nerves that control sweat glands.
Skin conditions: Scarring, psoriasis, or ichthyosis may permanently destroy sweat gland tissue.
Genetic disorders: Inherited conditions such as ectodermal dysplasia cause malformation of sweat glands from birth.
Medications: Anticholinergic drugs and certain other medications can suppress sweat production.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like Sjogren syndrome can impair exocrine gland function, including sweat glands.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can interrupt nerve signals to the sweat glands.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anhidrosis vary depending on the extent of the condition:

Absent or severely reduced sweating even during heat exposure or physical exertion
Flushing, dizziness, and a sensation of overheating
Muscle cramps related to heat retention
Nausea and general malaise
In severe cases: heat stroke, which is a medical emergency

In partial anhidrosis, unaffected areas of the body may exhibit compensatory hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed through several tests and examinations:

Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART): Measures sweat output in response to heat or chemical stimulation.
Starch-iodine test: Visually identifies areas of absent or reduced sweating on the skin.
Skin biopsy: Microscopic evaluation of sweat gland structure and density.
Neurological examination: To identify underlying nerve disorders.
Blood tests: To detect conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases contributing to anhidrosis.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and preventing heat-related complications:

Managing the underlying condition (e.g., blood sugar control in diabetes)
Discontinuing or switching medications that inhibit sweat production
Active body cooling using cool environments, damp cloths, or air conditioning
Avoiding heat exposure and strenuous physical activity in warm conditions
Regular medical monitoring, especially in cases of widespread anhidrosis

A complete cure is often not possible, but consistent heat avoidance and supportive measures can effectively prevent serious complications.

References

Low P.A. - Evaluation of sudomotor function. Clinical Neurophysiology, 2004; 115(7): 1506-1513. PubMed PMID: 15203054.
Cheshire W.P., Freeman R. - Disorders of sweating. Seminars in Neurology, 2003; 23(4): 399-406. PubMed PMID: 15088263.
World Health Organization (WHO) - International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), Anhidrosis (Entry 5C80). https://icd.who.int

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