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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Anihidrosis,
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Anihidrosis,
by Michael Lo, Sep 21, 2000 12:00AM
Hi Doctor,
I am not sure I'm writing to the correct department but here goes. I am suffering from anhidrosis. The anhidrosis started last September 1999, but actual symptoms started May 1999.
Last summer, I started noticing a very irritating prickly sensation as I would became warm, during exercise or just sitting in a warm room. The prickly sensation was followed by itchiness and then hives. As I started sweating the prickly sensation and itchiness would subside, but the hives would persist. This lasted for a few months. I then noticed during exercise I would fatigue easily and my heart would race with shortness of breath. I thought I was just out of shape, but then realized I didn't sweat anymore. The prickliness, itchiness, and hives went away when I quit sweating. I am now on medication and have begun to sweat on selected parts of my body, on my forehead and brow and under my arms. The prickliness and itching and hives have also returned in the same manner as before, before I start sweating.
I've been to my family practice doctor who prescribed prednisone. Two dermatologists who prescribed Claritin and ointment. An internist who said it was just heat intolerance. An endocrinologist who suggested a neurologist. And two neurologists. All tests, blood, thyroid, and mri's, are "normal". I've been under the care of the second neurologist and am taking medication on an outpatient basis for the past six months. My doctor thinks I had a virus and my immune system attacked my sweat glands mistaking the glands as the virus. I've been on 1000mg of methylprednisone on an average of once a week. The medication has started me sweating minimally again as mentioned above. The amount of sweating now has leveled off.
I've been suffering from this for nearly a year now. I'm no longer able to exercise or participate in activities that will raise my body temperature. Now, I am thinking about going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to see Dr. Phillip Low for possible additional treatment. My question is, have you or any of your associates heard of this condition or these types of symptoms? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to proceed in a cure? Could this be a hormone problem? Should I have my sweat glands checked? I know this was long. Thanks for the response.
Sincerely, Michael
I am not sure I'm writing to the correct department but here goes. I am suffering from anhidrosis. The anhidrosis started last September 1999, but actual symptoms started May 1999.
Last summer, I started noticing a very irritating prickly sensation as I would became warm, during exercise or just sitting in a warm room. The prickly sensation was followed by itchiness and then hives. As I started sweating the prickly sensation and itchiness would subside, but the hives would persist. This lasted for a few months. I then noticed during exercise I would fatigue easily and my heart would race with shortness of breath. I thought I was just out of shape, but then realized I didn't sweat anymore. The prickliness, itchiness, and hives went away when I quit sweating. I am now on medication and have begun to sweat on selected parts of my body, on my forehead and brow and under my arms. The prickliness and itching and hives have also returned in the same manner as before, before I start sweating.
I've been to my family practice doctor who prescribed prednisone. Two dermatologists who prescribed Claritin and ointment. An internist who said it was just heat intolerance. An endocrinologist who suggested a neurologist. And two neurologists. All tests, blood, thyroid, and mri's, are "normal". I've been under the care of the second neurologist and am taking medication on an outpatient basis for the past six months. My doctor thinks I had a virus and my immune system attacked my sweat glands mistaking the glands as the virus. I've been on 1000mg of methylprednisone on an average of once a week. The medication has started me sweating minimally again as mentioned above. The amount of sweating now has leveled off.
I've been suffering from this for nearly a year now. I'm no longer able to exercise or participate in activities that will raise my body temperature. Now, I am thinking about going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to see Dr. Phillip Low for possible additional treatment. My question is, have you or any of your associates heard of this condition or these types of symptoms? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to proceed in a cure? Could this be a hormone problem? Should I have my sweat glands checked? I know this was long. Thanks for the response.
Sincerely, Michael
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Sep 21, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Michael:
I am sorry to hear about your problem. We have seen similar problems in patients with mitochondrial disease and dysautonomia. I would also think that an autoimmune disorder could also be a likely etiology. The response to steriods would also support the diagnosis of an autoimmune problem. One would think that the labs should have been somewhat abnormal in sedimentation rate and maybe white blood count differential. A skin biopsy might be also helpful in trying to see what processes have taken place. As far as cure, it depends on the etiology. One needs to know what is causing the problem before one can cure a problem. Sounds like your on the way to an answer.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry to hear about your problem. We have seen similar problems in patients with mitochondrial disease and dysautonomia. I would also think that an autoimmune disorder could also be a likely etiology. The response to steriods would also support the diagnosis of an autoimmune problem. One would think that the labs should have been somewhat abnormal in sedimentation rate and maybe white blood count differential. A skin biopsy might be also helpful in trying to see what processes have taken place. As far as cure, it depends on the etiology. One needs to know what is causing the problem before one can cure a problem. Sounds like your on the way to an answer.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
WHEN I EXERCISE OR MY EMOTIONS FALRE, MY HANDS AND FEET BURN LIKE SOMEONE IS FLICKING HOT BACON GREASE ON THEM. WHEN IT GETS REAL BAD, I BURN ALL OVER. I CAN'T EXERCISE AND I HAVE TO KEEP COOL. I'VE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST, BUT I AM SKEPTICAL.
E-MAIL ME AT ***@**** TO DISCUSS
WHEN I EXERCISE OR MY EMOTIONS FALRE, MY HANDS AND FEET BURN LIKE SOMEONE IS FLICKING HOT BACON GREASE ON THEM. WHEN IT GETS REAL BAD, I BURN ALL OVER. I CAN'T EXERCISE AND I HAVE TO KEEP COOL. I'VE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST, BUT I AM SKEPTICAL.
E-MAIL ME AT ***@**** TO DISCUSS
WHEN I EXERCISE OR MY EMOTIONS FALRE, MY HANDS AND FEET BURN LIKE SOMEONE IS FLICKING HOT BACON GREASE ON THEM. WHEN IT GETS REAL BAD, I BURN ALL OVER. I CAN'T EXERCISE AND I HAVE TO KEEP COOL. I'VE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST, BUT I AM SKEPTICAL.
WHEN I EXERCISE OR MY EMOTIONS FALRE, MY HANDS AND FEET BURN LIKE SOMEONE IS FLICKING HOT BACON GREASE ON THEM. WHEN IT GETS REAL BAD, I BURN ALL OVER. I CAN'T EXERCISE AND I HAVE TO KEEP COOL. I'VE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST, BUT I AM SKEPTICAL.
Michael, e-mail me at ***@****