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Palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis treated with botulinum toxin: one‐year clinical follow‐up
Author(s) -
Naver H.,
Swartling C.,
Aquilonius S.M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2000.00014.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperhidrosis , botulinum toxin , tolerability , sympathectomy , sweat , palmar hyperhidrosis , surgery , anesthesia , axilla , side effect (computer science) , dermatology , adverse effect , cancer , breast cancer , computer science , programming language
Focal hyperhidrosis is a common and sometimes handicapping condition for which the presently most effective treatment, sympathectomy, often leads to irreversible side‐effects. We aimed to study effectiveness and tolerability of an alternative treatment with botulinum toxin injections over a period of one year for this condition. Twenty‐eight patients with palmar ( n = 19) and/or axillary ( n = 13) hyperhidrosis were treated with intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin (Botox ® ) 2 U/4 cm 2 . Sweat function was studied clinically and by objective measurements after treatment of one side. Treated and untreated sides, and pre‐ and post‐treatment skin areas were compared. Subjective evaluation was performed after treatment of one side and 2–5 months after treatment of both sides. Duration of effect was controlled by a one‐year follow‐up. Sweating disappeared in eight out of 13 patients with axillary and in five out of 19 with palmar hyperhidrosis, and was reduced markedly in another five out of 13 and 10 out of 19 patients. Two‐thirds of those treated for hand sweat noticed a slight and transient reduction of power of finger grip. No side‐effects were noticed after treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. We find intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin with this technique safe and effective, and due to the relatively long duration of effect the treatment should be recommended before sympathectomy for focal hyperhidrosis.