Alternative Names
Decreased sweating; Anhidrosis
Definition of Sweating - absent:
An abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat may be harmful, because sweating allows heat to be released from the body. The medical term for absent sweating is 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 happens in a small area only, 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
