Anidrasi

Anidrasi, commonly referred to as anhidrosis or anidrosis, is a medical condition characterized by reduced or absent sweating due to dysfunction of the sweat glands or the autonomic nerves that control them. Because sweating helps regulate body temperature, anidrasi can lead to heat intolerance and an increased risk of overheating or heat-related illness. The term derives from Greek, with an- meaning without and hidros meaning sweat. Clinically, anidrasi is described along a spectrum that includes hypohidrosis (reduced sweating) and complete anhidrosis (no sweating).

Causes and classification can be congenital or acquired. Congenital forms may occur with genetic conditions such as ectodermal dysplasias, where multiple ectodermal structures (including sweat glands) are affected. Acquired anidrasi can result from skin damage (burns, scars), inflammatory dermatoses, autonomic neuropathies (for example, diabetic or Guillain-Barré syndromes), neurologic injury, or medications that suppress sweating (certain anticholinergics and other drugs). Environmental factors, dehydration, and systemic illness can also contribute. Anidrasi may be generalized, affecting most or all of the body, or localized to specific regions.

Symptoms and complications primarily arise from impaired thermoregulation. Individuals may experience heat intolerance, fatigue, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or fever after exposure to warm environments. Dry, inelastic skin may be present in some cases.

Diagnosis relies on history and physical examination, supported by specialized tests such as the Minor starch-iodine test to map sweating and quantitative sudomotor tests (QSART) or thermoregulatory sweat tests (TST) to assess gland function.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause when possible and preventing heat-related complications through cooling strategies, hydration, and environmental modifications. There is no universal cure for anidrasi; prognosis depends on the cause and extent of sweat loss.

See also: hypohidrosis, anhidrosis, ectodermal dysplasia.