Diseases and Conditions

Anhidrosis

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of anhidrosis include:

  • Little or no perspiration
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • Flushing
  • Feeling hot

A lack of perspiration can occur:

  • Over most of your body (generalized)
  • In a single area
  • In scattered patches

Areas that can sweat may try to produce more perspiration, so it's possible to sweat profusely on one part of your body and very little or not at all on another. Anhidrosis that affects a large portion of your body prevents proper cooling, so vigorous exercise, hard physical work and hot weather can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.

Anhidrosis can develop on its own or as one of several signs and symptoms of another condition, such as diabetes or skin injury.

When to see a doctor

If you barely sweat, even when it's hot or you're working or exercising strenuously, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you notice you're sweating less than usual.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs or symptoms of heatstroke.