Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum-A toxin.

BACKGROUND

Severe axillary hyperhidrosis is a source of great embarrassment and considerable emotional stress to individuals afflicted with this condition. Existing topical and surgical therapies are either ineffective or associated with unacceptable morbidity. We attempt to determine the effect of botulinum-A toxin (Dysport) in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After visualization of hyperhidrosis using the iodine-starch test, 10 patients with axillary hyperhidrosis underwent intradermal injection with 125 units of Dysport on each axilla. Patients were observed for 7 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The treatment was well tolerated without side-effects. All patients experienced relatively complete anhidrosis of the axillary skin after about 1 week for periods ranging from 4 to 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Botulinum-A toxin may offer a fast, safe, and highly effective therapeutic option for severe hyperhidrosis.