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:

• Burns
• Certain genetic syndromes
• Certain nerve problems (neuropathies)
• Congenital disorders including as ectodermal dysplasia
• Dehydration
• Neurologic disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Skin diseases that block sweat glands
• Trauma to sweat glands
• Use of certain drugs