ANIDROSIS

Synonym.—Fr., Anidrose.

Definition.—A functional disorder of the sweat-glands charac­
terized by diminution or suppression of the sweat secretion.

Symptoms.—This is rarely if ever seen as an idiopathic condi­
tion, but it occurs to a varying extent in certain systemic diseases, as
in diabetes, and also in some affections of the skin, such as ichthyosis,
eczema, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and the like; also in the affected areas
in anesthetic leprosy, scleroderma, keloidal growths, etc In these cases,
however, the glands resume their normal activity as soon as the skin
returns to its healthy state. Localized sweat suppression has been ob­
served to follow nerve injuries in some instances; and diminished or tem­
porarily suppressed secretion has also been noted as a symptom of some
of the graver nervous maladies. In certain persons, however, the skin
is noted to be abnormally dry, the sweat-glands apparently being in a
state of inaction. In such the integument, unless frequently washed and
oiled, and particularly in the cold season, is apt to be slightly harsh, ap­
proaching closely to the mildest form of ichthyosis—which it in reality
may be. These subjects are frequently, in my experience, sufferers from
pruritus, especially during the winter time (pruritus hiemalis); and also
not uncommonly after baths (bath pruritus). A dry skin is often noted
also to predispose to eczema, and if the parasitic theory of that disease be
accepted, it can be readily seen, from the dryness and tendency to crack­
ing of the cuticle and the absence of the oily coating resulting from proper
action of the sweat- and oil-glands, that easy lodgment could be effected.

Treatment.—This is to based upon general principles: warm
and hot water or vapor baths, general toning up of the patient, free
drinking of liquids, warm clothing, and the careful administration of
jaborandi and other diaphoretics. In most cases not much can be
accomplished beyond palliation. In some instances the resulting dryness
¹ C. N. Davis, Personal communication.

BROMIDROSIS                                       1075

and harshness of the skin are to be remedied by the scanty use of oily or
ointment applications.

But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy!

Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.