The Rare Disease That Stops Sweating, 300 Cases of Ichthyosis in Spain Face the Danger of Heat

Roughly 300 individuals in Spain, including Alberto Gomez, live with ichthyosis, a rare dermatological pathology that makes the process of sweating impossible. This deficiency renders the body unable to cool itself spontaneously during periods of high temperatures.

For people who do not face this syndrome, a hot day can be simply bothersome. But for those suffering from this hereditary disease, the situation takes on life-threatening proportions. Skin affected by ichthyosis appears extremely dry, rough and with pronounced redness. In Gomez’s case, his skin cracks from head to toe, while other patients experience painful wounds or blisters.

Dermatologist Angela Hernandez explains the dangerous mechanism: “Body heat is released through sweat. When this process does not happen, meaning when the body is unable to disperse heat, it begins to overheat and this can lead to heatstroke.”

A true nightmare on scorching days, this is the reality for Alberto Gomez, who works as a physics teacher. He recounts his lengthy experience: “Even in childhood, I found it very difficult to manage to sweat. Sometimes, I am aware that I am exposing myself to danger. For example, in recent weeks at school, where air conditioning is lacking, as soon as you enter the classroom, you have the feeling that heat stroke is unavoidable.”

The 36-year-old says that this condition deeply concerns not only him, but the entire community experiencing the same challenges. According to him, awareness campaigns about the disease’s dangers have been a huge help.

“I think we are now able to recognize a series of warning signs and this helps us tremendously to take the appropriate precautionary measures before we suffer any stroke,” he adds further.