Not sweating enough (hypohidrosis)

Overview

Causes include nerve damage from diabetes, some medicines, skin conditions, and inherited conditions.

Not sweating makes it hard to cool down.

Without sweat, the body can't cool off well.

Heat illness can happen quickly.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Little or no sweat

Less common

• Dry skin

Look up a symptom: Can't stand the heat, or sweating a lot

When to get medical care

Causes

Nerves, skin, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with diabetes or nerve damage: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Heatstroke: From not cooling off

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Sweat test:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Avoid heat
• Use cooling vests

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stay cool in hot weather

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Inherited types may show as overheating.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cooling strategies keep people safe.

Cooling habits keep most people safe.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Not sweating enough (hypohidrosis)