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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
Treatment isn't always necessary
Anhidrosis that affects a small part of your body usually isn't a problem and doesn't need treatment. But, large areas of decreased perspiration can be life-threatening. Although there's no specific treatment for anhidrosis itself, treatments may be available for the cause of the problem rather than for anhidrosis specifically.
Treating heat-related problems
Anyone who is overheated needs prompt treatment to prevent symptoms from becoming worse.
Heat cramps
To relieve cramping:
- Rest and cool down.
- Drink cool fruit juice or a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
- Get medical care if cramps become worse or don't go away in about an hour.
- Wait at least several hours before returning to strenuous activity.
Heat exhaustion
When someone develops symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat, act quickly:
- Move the person into a shady or air-conditioned space, and elevate his or her legs slightly.
- Loosen the person's clothing, and remove any heavy pieces of clothing.
- Have the person drink cool, not ice, water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
- Spray or sponge the person with cool water.
- If symptoms don't improve quickly, call 911 or emergency medical help.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke requires immediate medical care. This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Until help arrives:
- Move the person into the shade or an air-conditioned space.
- Start the cooling process by spraying the skin with water or wrapping the person in wet towels or sheets, and use a fan or newspaper to increase air circulation.
- 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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