Anhidrosis refers to decreased productivity of the sweat glands. This can be caused by illness, medication or skin injury. People with anhidrosis are prone to dangerous overheating. The opposite of anhidrosis is hyperhidrosis.
What is anhidrosis?
People with anhidrosis are unable to perspire normally. Perspiration, however, is necessary for the body to cool itself. Otherwise, overheating can occur, which in the worst exceptions can lead to a heart attack. Anhidrosis, however, is difficult to diagnose. Mild anhidrosis usually remains undetected and can be caused by many reasons; for example, skin injuries, certain diseases or medications. It is possible to be born with anhidrosis, but it is also possible to develop the disorder later. Treatment for anhidrosis lies in curing the causative factors, if any can be found.
Causes
Anhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands stop working, and this can have a variety of causes. Nerve damage: the body’s nervous system is complex and does a lot of important work. However, if the nerves no longer register overheating, for example, they may have suffered damage from (among other things): diabetes, alcohol abuse, Parkinson’s disease, multisystem atrophy, amyloidosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, lung cancer, and Horner’s syndrome. Skin diseases: Certain skin diseases that cause pores to become clogged are the most common cause of anhidrosis. However, extensive injuries (from traffic accidents or burns) can also result in anhidrosis. Drugs: A large number of drugs can trigger anhidrosis. These include, for example, heart and blood medications, but also psychotropic drugs. Genetic disorders: Some congenital diseases lead to poorer function of the sweat glands. Dehydration: if the body has taken in too little fluid to perform its normal functions, this, in combination with anhidrosis, can have fatal consequences.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Anhidrosis manifests itself through a number of symptoms. As a result of overheating, circulatory problems may occur and subsequently lead to heat stroke and a life-threatening circulatory collapse. In severe cases, multiple organ failure occurs as a result of overheating and the patient eventually dies. Local anhidrosis is less severe. Typically, the disease is limited to certain areas of the body and causes, for example, clotting disorders, inflammation or nerve damage. The dried-out skin is also more prone to rashes, infections and other skin changes. In the long term, anhidrosis can cause premature aging of the skin. In the muscular area, paralysis, cramps and sensory disturbances may occur as a result of overheating. Even convulsions cannot be ruled out. Acute anhidrosis is manifested by dizziness, nausea and itching. In most cases, there is also reddening of the skin or even swelling, which is sensitive to pressure. The patient is altogether more sensitive to high and low temperatures. This results in increased severe malaise and sudden states of exhaustion. Externally, anhidrosis is sometimes manifested by a red coloration of the skin. In addition, the skin in the affected area is very warm and hurts when touched. Since a disorder of the sweat glands can manifest itself through multifaceted symptoms, medical clarification is always necessary.
Diagnosis and course
A physician can diagnose anhidrosis through a physical examination and questioning about symptoms and medical history. But additional tests may be needed to be sure. Axon Reflex Test: In this test, small electrodes are installed on arms or legs. Stimulation of the sweat glands stimulates them to produce. At the same time, the amount of fluid exuded is measured. Silastic sweat imprint: Similar to the previous test. But the amount of fluid is measured by the imprint in a special rubber layer (Silastic). Thermoregulatory sweat test: In this test, the patient is wetted with a special powder that has a color reaction when it comes into contact with fluid. The patient is then placed in a heated room where his perspiration is recorded by photographs. Biopsy: Tissue sampling is also possible.Here, affected sweat glands can be analyzed directly.
Complications
Anhidrosis can cause multiform complications. First, there is a risk that the body will overheat due to the lack of sweat production. This can lead to circulatory problems and subsequently to heat stroke and potentially life-threatening circulatory collapse. In extreme cases, the overheating subsequently causes multiple organ failure and eventually leads to the patient’s death. Local anhidrosis is confined to specific areas of the body and can cause various problems such as clotting disorders, nerve damage, and inflammation. Parched skin also has a higher risk of rashes, infections, and severe skin lesions, including premature aging. The lack of cooling of the muscles can lead to muscle cramps and paralysis. Acutely, anhidrosis causes dizziness and nausea, as well as itching and skin changes. There is also increased sensitivity to high and low temperatures, often associated with severe malaise and fatigue. In the context of anhidrosis therapy, prescribed skin care products can lead to allergies and thus to an intensification of the symptoms. Other complications depend on the underlying condition and range from chronic nerve damage (in nerve disease) to spinal cord damage (in syringomyelia).
When should you see a doctor?
If absent or very low perspiration is observed in the child, the pediatrician should be consulted. The medical professional can determine anhidrosis through questioning and physical examination and suggest appropriate treatment. Sometimes simple precautions are enough to sufficiently alleviate problems caused by anhidrosis. However, in severe cases, the condition must be closely monitored by a physician. Especially with children and adolescents suffering from anhidrosis, regular visits to the doctor should be made. While severe complications are unlikely, medical education about avoidance strategies and the dangers of the condition is always advised. If cramps, hot flashes and similar symptoms do not subside after a few minutes, medical attention is required. If symptoms are severe, such as overheating or severe circulatory problems, an emergency physician must be called. Accompanying first aid measures such as cooling and the removal of constricting clothing are sometimes necessary. Affected persons should subsequently talk to the doctor and consider further therapeutic measures.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of anhidrosis is not always necessary. If it affects only small areas of the body, it is unlikely to have serious effects on the organism. But anhidrosis that results in severely decreased perspiration can be life-threatening. Depending on the disorder that triggers anhidrosis, several therapies exist. Especially symptoms triggered by heat need immediate treatment. In case of acute overheating, the affected person should lie down and cool down. Cold fruit juice or sports drinks with increased electrolyte content help the body to regenerate. If cramps and symptoms do not subside after an hour, medical help should be sought. As a precaution, it is advisable to rest for a few hours before resuming strenuous activity. In some cases, overheating can lead to a heart attack. If this occurs, the affected person needs an emergency doctor immediately. Until he or she is not there, the affected person should be taken to a cool, shady place, have his or her clothing loosened and, if necessary, sprinkled with cold water.
Outlook and prognosis
Low-grade anhidrosis does not result in any noticeable effects on the patient’s body or well-being. Treatment is not necessary, with which the symptoms may be present for life without any effects or feeling of illness. In cases of severe anhidrosis, the difficulty is to determine the cause. If it is clarified, the prognosis is usually good. In many patients, medical care is provided with subsequent permanent cure of the condition. Alternatively, knowledge of preventive techniques is imparted and the recognition of early warning signs is learned. Without an explanation of the cause, the symptoms may increase. The prognosis prospects are then less optimistic.In rare cases, a life-threatening condition is imminent. If sweat production continuously decreases and applied therapies remain ineffective, the body is threatened with overheating. Multiple organ failure resulting in death is possible. However, any patient without a clarified cause of anhidrosis can initiate measures for relief when early warning signs are recognized. In addition, opportunities for precaution should be taken daily, even when no symptoms are present. With this care toward oneself and one’s own health, the risk of a life-threatening condition is significantly reduced. Nevertheless, an outbreak of symptoms can be expected at any time, as no cure will be achieved without treating the cause.
Prevention
Anhidrosis itself cannot be prevented, but the life-threatening consequences of overheating can be avoided. People suffering from anhidrosis should wear loose, light clothing when it is very warm. On hot days, they should stay in cool rooms. They should also avoid overexerting themselves and learn to listen to their body’s warning signals.
Aftercare
After anhidrosis is treated, no further symptoms should occur. During follow-up care, the doctor will give the patient another comprehensive examination so that any symptoms can be identified and treated directly. The doctor will perform an examination of the skin. If no abnormalities are found, this is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. In the case of unusual skin changes, further examinations must be undertaken. In any case, the physician will have a conversation with the patient. A low level of well-being or discomfort indicates that anhidrosis is spreading. Depending on the patient’s state of health, further measures must therefore often be initiated. Anhidrosis follow-up may also include examinations by other specialists. In addition to dermatologists, specialists in internal medicine are often involved in follow-up care. Depending on the cause, nutritionists and physical therapists may also need to be involved so that the trigger of anhidrosis can be effectively treated. If these measures have no effect, symptomatic therapy must be started again. If the course is positive, follow-up is limited to a few medical appointments to review the course of the disease and, if necessary, to phase out prescribed medications.
What you can do yourself
Anhidrosis does not necessarily require medical treatment. If the condition affects only small areas of the body, the reduced perspiration can be counteracted by some self-help tips and home remedies. First of all, direct sunlight and heavy physical exertion should be avoided. Sweating can also be reduced by cool compresses and regular, light yoga exercises. Dietary measures such as avoiding caffeine and spicy foods also help to adapt sweat production naturally to the condition. Anhidrosis sufferers should avoid stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine in any case. Should overheating nevertheless occur, the rule is: lie down and cool down. Those affected should rest in a cool, shady place, loosen their clothing and, if necessary, pour some water over themselves. Cold mineral water, fruit juice and sports drinks help the body to recover. If available, medicinal plants such as the nerve-calming red clover and the decongestant mugwort can also be used. Despite all measures, overheating can lead to severe circulatory problems. In the event of a collapse or heart attack, the emergency physician must be called immediately. First aid measures may need to be taken until the doctor arrives.