Botulinum A neurotoxin for axillary hyperhidrosis. No sweat Botox.

BACKGROUND

Axillary hyperhidrosis causes considerable emotional stress and is associated with extraordinary costs and limitations in clothing. Existing topical and surgical therapies are either ineffective or associated with unacceptable morbidity and sequelae. Botulinum A neurotoxin (Botox) has been shown to decrease sweating in normal skin and in palmar hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was undertaken to demonstrate the utility of using Botox in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

Twelve patient with axillary hyperhidrosis underwent intradermal injection with 50 units of Botox in the axillary skin bilaterally.

RESULTS

All patients enjoyed relatively complete anhidrosis of the axillary skin in periods ranging from 4 to 7 months. Repeat injections produced similar results.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum A neurotoxin (Botox) is an elegant and simple treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis.