Sweating - absent

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Skin layers

An abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat may be harmful, because sweating allows heat to be released from the body.

Decreased sweating; Anhidrosis

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.

• 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

Review Date: 07/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.