 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Sweating - absent
Definition:
An abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat may be harmful, because sweating allows heat to be released from the body. Alternative Names:
Decreased sweating; Anhidrosis Text Continues Below
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 (happening 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
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