Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a rare inherited disorder that affects the development of structures derived from the ectoderm, such as the skin, hair, teeth and sweat glands.

Common manifestations: It is usually associated with reduced or absent sweating, thin or sparse hair, absent or abnormally shaped teeth and dry skin; difficulty sweating can cause heat intolerance.

When is an evaluation advisable? When a child has episodes of fever with no apparent cause, greatly reduced sweating or early dental abnormalities, it is worth seeking care.

Who treats it? The pediatrician is the first point of contact to guide follow-up of a child's development and coordinate, as needed, support from other areas such as dermatology or dentistry. The most prudent step is to review each situation with a professional who can assess it comprehensively.