Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of focal, axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis and other hyperhidrotic conditions

Abstract

Focal essential hyperhidrosis is a common and often disabling disorder mainly involving the palms, axillae, face, and soles of the feet. Focal hyperhidrosis may also arise from several neurological or internal diseases. Current therapeutic options include topical aluminium chloride salts, systemic anticholinergic drugs, tap-water iontophoresis, and a number of surgical approaches. However, none of these are entirely satisfactory. In recent studies, injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) into the hyperhidrotic area has proved very effective in reducing or abolishing focal sweating of different aetiologies without major side effects. BTX-A therefore has the potential to replace more invasive therapies.