Familial secondary hyperhidrosis associated with tumor necrosis factor–alpha inhibitor treatment

TNF: tumor necrosis factor INTRODUCTION Hyperhidrosis is a disorder caused by overactivity of the eccrine glands and characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is essential for thermoregulation. Its prevalence is 3% in the US population and affects men and women equally. Hyperhidrosis can be classified as either primary, which tends to be focal, or secondary, which tends to be more generalized. Primary hyperhidrosis specifically affects the palms, soles, axillae, and face in a bilateral, symmetric distribution; begins in adolescence; and does not occur during sleep. In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis typically presents in adults, affects a wider distribution of the body asymmetrically during both waking and sleeping hours, and is caused by either underlying medical conditions or medications.