Abstract
Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for glabellar wrinkles, botulinum toxin (BTX) has been widely used to correct facial wrinkles. As a result, many consider BTX synonymous with cosmetic dermatology. Recent studies indicate that BTX elicits biological effects on various skin cell types via the modulation of neurotransmitter release, and it seems that BTX has a wider zone of dermatologic influence than originally understood. Clinicians and researchers are now beginning to explore the potential of BTX beyond the amelioration of facial lines and encouraging results are seen with BTX in a variety of skin conditions. In this paper, we review novel dermatological indications of BTX which includes (but not limited to) scar prevention, facial flushing, post-herpetic neuralgia and itch. These areas show great promise, but there is definite need for larger, double-blinded, randomized control trials against established treatments before BTX becomes a clinical reality.
Highlights
Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.Seven distinct isoforms (BTX-A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) have been described, with BTX-A and BTX-B being commercially available
BTX patients showed a significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores as well as the sleep scores which lasted for approximately 16 weeks
We highlighted the promising outcomes of BTX in several off-label indications of interest for dermatologists
Summary
Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. BTX blocks the release of acetylcholine and a number of other neurotransmitters from presynaptic vesicles by deactivating SNARE proteins and has a long history of therapeutic application in neurological conditions with a strong efficacy and safety profile. BTX has been used experimentally in a number of dermatological conditions which include scar prevention, facial flushing, post-herpetic neuralgia and itch with good results. The general mechanism which underlies these novel indications includes suppression of mast cell activity, and the inhibition of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and glutamate release. We analyze the possible off-label applications of BTX based on published data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
