Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin

Abstract

Focal hyperhidrosis is a common problem that affects up to 2.8% of the population with significant psychosocial implications. Traditional therapies have not proven effective for most of these patients, which further adds to patient anxiety. Botulinum toxin is emerging as a novel treatment for focal hyperhidrosis and is proving to be safe and effective. A therapeutic protocol for focal hyperhidrosis includes an individualized treatment plan for each site of involvement. For those who are affected in the palms and soles, the most common treatments include topical treatment with aluminum chloride, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin,systemic medications, and sympathectomy. For those who have axillary focal hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis is often difficult and botulinum toxin becomes the second line therapy. As of June 2003, BTX A has been approved for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in 13 countries: England, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the currently available literature and ongoing studies, it should only be a short time before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves botulinum toxin therapy for focal hyperhidrosis in the United States.