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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAnhidrosis isn't common, but certain factors make the condition more likely, including:
- Age. As you grow older, your ability to sweat normally may diminish, usually because your body has more trouble regulating its temperature. The degree to which aging affects the sweat glands varies from person to person, but in general, women seem to experience a greater reduction in sweating than men do. At the same time, at least one study has shown that engaging in regular aerobic exercise throughout life can help maintain normal sweat gland function. The opposite is also true; it's harder for your body to cool itself when you're not physically fit, no matter what your age.
- Certain health problems. Any medical condition that damages your autonomic nerves makes sweat gland problems more likely. Diabetes is the most common and widespread of these conditions, but a number of other diseases can injure both nerves and sweat glands, often in a specific area, such as your legs or face.
- Skin disorders. Many diseases that irritate or inflame the skin also affect the sweat glands. Anhidrosis can occur with a number of skin disorders, including psoriasis; exfoliative dermatitis, which is marked by severe skin scaling; heat rash; scleroderma, which causes hard, tight skin; and ichthyosis — extremely dry, scaly skin.
- Genetic abnormalities. Mutations in certain genes can lead to disorders that affect the sweat glands.
