What does it mean when a child does not sweat, and what should be done?

Children sweating little or not sweating at all may be caused by various factors such as low physical activity, constitutional differences, congenital anhidrosis, vitamin A deficiency, or hypothyroidism. Appropriate treatments can usually be selected based on the child's specific symptoms. The details are as follows:

1. Low Physical Activity

A child's lack of sweating is often related to their level of physical activity. If a child engages in minimal physical activity, they may sweat less or not at all. It is recommended that children perform moderate daily exercise to help alleviate this condition.

2. Constitutional Differences

Children with weaker constitutions may not sweat easily, even in hot weather, due to their generally poor physical condition. In such cases, it is important to provide the child with more nutritious foods to improve overall health and physical strength.

3. Congenital Anhidrosis

This condition results from underdeveloped sweat glands and may be associated with abnormalities or deficiencies in sebaceous glands, hair, and other systems. As a result, the child does not sweat even during intense physical activity. Patients should avoid excessive exertion, wear comfortable cotton clothing to reduce itching and skin dryness, and use a humidifier during dry seasons.

4. Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Severe deficiency can lead to dry skin and follicular keratosis, resulting in reduced or absent sweating. To increase vitamin A intake, include foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and apples in the daily diet.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism may result from insufficient iodine intake or viral infections. Common symptoms include sensitivity to cold and reduced sweating. Therefore, lack of sweating in children may be due to hypothyroidism. Patients should take medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets or thyroid extract tablets as directed by a physician to improve the condition.

If any of the above conditions occur, it is advisable to visit a reputable medical facility promptly for comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, and appropriate treatment under medical supervision. Additionally, during treatment, strenuous physical activity should be avoided to prevent heat retention and potential hyperthermia.