What is the condition called when there is an absence of sweating?

The condition characterized by an absence of sweating is known as anhidrosis. This can occur due to various factors, including damage to the sweat glands, certain skin conditions, or issues affecting the nervous system. Anhidrosis can lead to overheating, as sweating is a critical mechanism for regulating body temperature. Understanding this condition is important in recognizing how the body maintains homeostasis, particularly in relation to thermoregulation.

In contrast, hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating, which is quite the opposite of anhidrosis. Osmidrosis is a term related to excessive body odor, typically caused by bacterial activity on sweat. Dermatitis describes inflammation of the skin, which may involve various symptoms but is not specifically related to sweating.