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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:
- 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. This is especially true if the lack of perspiration occurs on its own, rather than as the result of another disorder.
