Anhidrosis
Pronunciation: an-hih-DROH-sis
The absence or severe reduction of sweating, which can indicate dysfunction of the eccrine sweat glands or autonomic nervous system.
Full Definition
Anhidrosis refers to an inability to sweat normally, leaving skin unable to regulate body temperature through perspiration. It may be localised or generalised and can result from nerve damage, certain skin disorders (e.g., ichthyosis, miliaria), systemic diseases, or medications. In dermatological editing, the term is often encountered in case reports involving autonomic neuropathy, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, or adverse drug reactions. Editors must distinguish it from hypohidrosis (reduced sweating) and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Consistent use of the correct term is essential in drug safety narratives and diagnostic criteria documents.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from 'hypohidrosis' (diminished sweating) and 'hyperhidrosis' (excessive sweating); these are not synonyms.
In Context
- "Generalised anhidrosis was documented as a serious adverse event in patients receiving this anticholinergic agent." — Pharmacovigilance report
- "The manuscript used 'anhidrosis' and 'hypohidrosis' interchangeably; the editor corrected all instances to reflect the severity distinction." — Peer-review editorial note