Hyperhidrosis treated by botulinum A exotoxin

BACKGROUND. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be emotionally challenging and socially and professionally disruptive, and there have been few effective treatments. Recently, botulinum toxin has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis of the axillae and palms and for gustatory sweating. OBJECTIVE. This article reviews the current treatments and outcomes achieved with chemodenervation of the eccrine sweat glands. RESULTS. The antihydrotic response lasted 6-17 months for gustatory sweating, 2-8 months for axillary sweating, and 13 weeks to 12 months for palmar sweating. CONCLUSIONS. Intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin offer a simple, safe, and effective alternative to of her conservative and surgical options. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.