A unilateral hyperhidrosis on the ulnar nerve distribution: a case report and review of the literature

Hyperhidrosis is a recurring autonomic condition characterized by excessive sweating surpassing the physiological need for thermoregulation mainly due to hyperstimulation of cholinergic receptors on the eccrine glands. It has been reported that hyperhidrosis affects 1 to 3% of the U.S population but only one-third of them seek medical attention 1,2. Thus, significantly impairing a patients’ psychosocial well-being and becoming a long-term source of detrimental emotional and physical distress 3. The condition can be primary which is observed for at least six months in common sweat gland areas such as the axilla, palms, soles, or can be secondary hyperhidrosis related to an endocrine disorder or a systemic febrile illness. In our paper, we present a rare case of hyperhidrosis manifesting along the ulnar nerve distribution of the left hand. We aim to bring light to a rare entity of hyperhidrosis to advocate for early management and for psychosocial prevention of distress.