Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis

Anhidrosis is a failure in sweat production in response to physiological thermal or chemical stimuli. Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis is a rare disorder without sweat gland pathology and without neurologic symptoms. Most cases have been reported from Far East. We report a case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male who suffered from heat intolerance, heat-induced cutaneous burning and failed to sweat even in sauna for five years. A skin biopsy disclosed no pathologies. He had no neurologic disorders. The diagnosis of acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis was confirmed and treatment with methylprednisolone initiated. This led to improvement of heat tolerance, remission of burning and partial remission of sweating. ( J Dermatol Case Rep . 2014; 8(4): 120-121)