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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor is likely to suspect anhidrosis based on your signs and symptoms, a thorough medical history and physical exam, but you may need certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include:
- Reflex test. In a test called a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), a small, painless electrical current passes through four electrodes placed on your forearm, foot and leg to activate the nerves that supply your sweat glands. The volume of sweat produced by this stimulation is then measured. You may feel a mild tingling or slight burning sensation during the test.
- Silastic sweat imprint. This test measures the distribution of perspiration by taking an imprint of drops of sweat in a rubbery material (Silastic).
- Thermoregulatory sweat test. During this test, you're coated with a powder that changes color when you sweat. You then enter a chamber that causes your body temperature to increase to a level that makes most people perspire. Digital photos document the results.
Sometimes the cause of anhidrosis or hypohidrosis is never found.
References
- Fealey RD, et al. Disorders of the eccrine sweat glands and sweating. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2985825. Accessed Oct 8, 2009.
- No sweat? It's not always a dream come true. International Hyperhydrosis Society. http://www.sweatsolutions.org/SweatSolutions/Article.asp?ArticleCode=26497017&EditionCode=87373635. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- More III JG. Disorders of the sweat glands. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164330502-2/899438951/1608/1544.html. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
- Extreme heat: A prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
- Saper CB. Autonomic disorders and their management. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier:2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164330686-2/0/1492/1482.html?tocnode=5463. Accessed Oct. 8, 2009.
- Drugs/medications known to cause anhidrosis. International Hyperhydrosis Society. http://www.sweatsolutions.org/pdf/Anhidrosis.pdf. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Advice for older adults on staying safe in hot weather. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080731hyperthermia.htm. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Zimmerman JL, et al. Hyperthermia. In: Hall JB, et al. Principles of Critical Care. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2282701. Accessed July 7, 2009.
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