TREATMENT OF PRIMARY HYPERHIDROSIS WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN - 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE

  • João Alves Interno de Dermatovenerologia, Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta / Resident of Dermatology, Dermatology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta
  • João Goulão Assistente Hospitalar de Dermatovenerologia, Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Garcia de Orta / Consultant of Dermatology, Dermatology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta
  • Francisco Menezes Brandão Chefe de Serviço de Dermatologia e Venereologia e Diretor do Serviço de Dermatologia e Venereologia do Hospital Garcia de Orta / Consultant Chief of Dermatology and Venereology and Head of Dermatology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta Serviço de Dermato-Venereologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal

Abstract

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is frequent and has significant psychological and socio-professional impact. Many of available treatments are ineffective or have considerable side effects. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has proven to be a safe and effective therapy in recalcitrant hyperhidrosis, albeit with limited efficacy on time.

Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed, with demographic and clinical data of the patients with hyperhidro- sis treated with BTX in our department in the period between June 2007 and June 2012. The severity of the disease was established by the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale. The hyperhidrotic area was identified by using a modification of the minor’s iodine-starch test. BTX-A was administered at a dose of 50U per axila or palm.

Results: Sixteen patients were treated, 11 women and 5 men, with an average age of 24 years. Nine had axillary and 7 had palmar hyperhidro- sis, with an average HDSS of 3.22 and 3.57, respectively. In the first week after the treatment, there was a reduction of sweating that has remained for 16 to 26 weeks. In the fourth week after treatment, the HDSS was 0.56 and 1.14 (axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis patients, respectively). After a 15 to 16 months follow-up, there were no significant side effects.

Conclusions: Treatment with BTX-A is relatively easy to perform and improves substantially the quality of life. In our experience, BTX-A proved to be an effective and safe therapy of primary hyperhidrosis.

KEYWORDS – Botulinum toxins; Type A; Hyperhidrosis. 

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Published
2013-06-23
How to Cite
Alves, J., Goulão, J., & Brandão, F. M. (2013). TREATMENT OF PRIMARY HYPERHIDROSIS WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN - 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 71(1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.71.1.122
Section
Original Articles