No compensatory sweating after botulinum toxin treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Primary focal hyperhidrosis is caused by excessive secretion by eccrine sweat glands, usually at the palms, soles and axillae. The underlying mechanism is unclear. In recent years botulinum toxin A has emerged as a useful treatment. Compensatory sweating, which is a major problem in many patients who have undergone transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis, has only rarely been reported after botulinum toxin. However, this potential side-effect of botulinum toxin treatment has not been systematically examined. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if treatment with botulinum toxin A in hyperhidrotic hands may cause compensatory sweating at other skin locations. METHODS: In 17 patients with a history of palmar hyperhidrosis repeated measurements of evaporation were made before and up to 6 months after treatment of the hands with botulinum toxin A. Recordings were made at 16 skin areas and compared with subjective estimates of sweating. RESULTS: Following treatment, palmar evaporation decreased markedly and then returned slowly towards pretreatment values, but was still significantly reduced 6 months after treatment. No significant increase of sweating was found after treatment in any nontreated skin area. CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin does not evoke compensatory hyperhidrosis in nontreated skin territories.     

Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: 44 months of experience

Background Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) can produce social and occupational difficulties and reduce the quality of life of those who suffer from this kind of problem. When dealing with focal hyperhidrosis, the patients’ attitudes and their subjective approaches regarding the process may influence the objective evaluation of the disorder. Objective To evaluate, by means of a scale, the subjective improvement of sweat production after treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) in a group of patients with severe, invalidating PH. Patients and methods Over a period of 44 months, 69 patients were treated and followed‐up, 27 patients had to be treated twice, and 11 patients required a third application; 80–100 U was injected in each palm. Regional nerve block was performed before the procedure. The patients were asked to evaluate their improvement at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of baseline. Results At 1 month, 53.6% of the patients reported an excellent improvement. Three months later, results were still excellent in 33.3% of the patients, and acceptable in 29%. From then on there was a statistically significant decrease of BTX‐A effectiveness. A second application was carried out at an interval of 7.5 ± 2.6 months, and a third one at 9 ± 4.4 months. The following complications could be observed: transitory weakness of hand muscles in 13 patients, wrist pain in 5 patients, and cramps in 1 patient. Conclusions Botulinum toxin is an effective alternative for the treatment of severe, invalidating PH. The maximum improvement persists up to 3 months; from then on, the effects slowly diminish. In our experience, there were no statistically significant differences with further applications of BTX‐A. The patients’ subjective assessment can be used to evaluate the sweat production after treatment with BTX‐A in those medical centers where a more objective evaluation becomes difficult or impossible.     

Treatment of focal hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: long-term follow-up in 61 patients

BACKGROUND: The blocking action of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on cholinergically innervated sweat glands has been used successfully to treat patients with focal hyperhidrosis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of intradermal injections of BTX-A. METHODS: We performed an open-label study in 61 patients treated over a period of 3 years for axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis. A total dose of 400 mU BTX-A (Dysport) was injected into both axillae or 460 mU BTX-A (Dysport) into both palms. The injections were repeated after relapse. Objective quantification of sweat production was performed using digitized ninhydrin-stained sheets. RESULTS: Four weeks after BTX-A treatment the median reduction in sweat production was 71% compared with baseline (P < 0.001) in the axillary group and 42% (P = 0.005) in the palmar group. Subjective assessment of sweat production by the patients using a visual analogue scale (0, no sweating; 100, the most severe sweating) showed a significant reduction in both the axillary (P < 0.001) and palmar groups (P < 0.001). Secondary disturbances due to focal hyperhidrosis interfering with daily activities were markedly improved in both groups. The median time interval between the sets of injections was 34 weeks for axillary hyperhidrosis and 25 weeks for palmar hyperhidrosis. The treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis was complicated by transient but not disabling weakness of the small hand muscles in nine of 21 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated intradermal injections of BTX-A in patients with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis are as effective as first treatments.     

Effective treatment of frontal hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin A

BACKGROUND: Focal hyperhidrosis is a common condition mostly confined to the axillae, palms and soles. In some individuals, predominantly men, increased sweating of the forehead may be the major complaint and may interfere with the person's quality of life. Botulinum toxin A has been shown to be a very effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis of the axillae and palms. OBJECTIVES: To assess the response in 10 men suffering from frontal hyperhidrosis treated with botulinum toxin A. METHODS: Botulinum toxin A Botox was injected at multiple sites evenly distributed over the forehead (mean dose 86 mouse units). RESULTS: The mean +/- SEM amount of sweat was significantly reduced, 4 weeks after treatment, from 173.8 +/- 38.6 mg min(-1) to 53.7 +/- 17.6 mg min(-1). The effect lasted at least 5 months in nine of the 10 patients. All patients subjectively judged the treatment as very effective. Minor side-effects included painful injections and a transient weakness of forehead muscles without ptosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we provide evidence that botulinum toxin A is an effective and safe treatment for frontal hyperhidrosis.     

Therapeutic effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A based on severity of palmar hyperhidrosis

A dose of 60 units (U) of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) has been confirmed to have efficacy for patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. However, the effectiveness of this dose is limited in severe cases defined as sweat production of 2 mg/cm(2) per min or more (measured by the ventilated capsule method) and a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) grade of 3 or 4. An increased dose of 90 U of BT-A was found to reduce sweating for approximately 7 months. In a comparison of patients with sweat production of more than 2.5 mg/cm(2) per min and an HDSS grade of 4 and patients with sweat production of 2.5 mg/cm(2) per min or less and an HDSS grade of 3, there was no difference in the reduction of sweat production at 5 months, but the duration of the reduced sweating was shorter for the former group. This suggests that there are limits to the efficacy of BT-A for severe forms of the disease with sweat production of more than 2.5 mg/cm(2) per mL.     

Thirty-five units of botulinum toxin type A for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis in female patients

We present a retrospective audit on efficacy and impact of 35 units of botulinum toxin type A per axilla on quality of life in female patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. This audit shows that 35 units of botulinum toxin type A is a reasonable starting dose and could significantly improve patients' quality of life and reduce the cost of treatment.     

The place of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis (primary or secondary) is excessive sweating beyond that required to return body temperature to normal. It can be localized or generalized, commonly affecting the axillae, palms, soles or face, and can have a substantial negative effect on a patient's quality of life. IMPACT OF DISEASE: Objective evaluation comprising quantitative assessment (gravimetric and Minor's iodine starch test) and subjective evaluation (Dermatology Quality of Life Index and Hyperhidrosis Impact Questionnaire) allow accurate assessment of the impact of hyperhidrosis on patients. BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A: Botulinum toxin type A acts by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the presynaptic membrane of cholinergic neurones. It has proved useful in treating a number of diseases relating to muscular dystonia and is now proving beneficial in treating hyperhidrosis. Clinical trials investigating botulinum toxin type A use in axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis show significant benefits with few side-effects reported, with a favourable impact also being seen on patient quality of life. Botulinum toxin type A injections are generally well-tolerated with beneficial results lasting from 4 to 16 months. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A injections are an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hyperhidrosis. This paper proposes a positioning of this treatment along with current established treatments, and highlights the role of botulinum toxin type A as a valuable therapy for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.     

Botulinum toxin A for palmar hyperhidrosis

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A on severe palmar hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Ten patients with recalcitrant palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with intercutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox; 200 U for each hand). Patients were followed up to 23 months (mean +/- SD: 12.1 +/- 6.2 months). RESULTS Botulinum toxin significantly reduced abnormal sweating within 1 week in 100% of the patients. In six patients with a follow-up of 12 months or more the antisudorific effect lasted 12.3 +/- 5.5 months. The longest response duration was 22 months. Repeated treatment was performed in five patients with unchanged clinical efficacy. The only side-effect was tolerable pain from the intracutaneous injections in patients where a nerve block was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin A (200 U Botox per palm) was able to induce long-term remission in palmar hyperhidrosis without significant acute and long-term side-effects. Strictly intracutaneous injection of small volumes is recommended. So far, response to repeated treatments did not show evidence of neutralizing antibody induction.     

Primary hyperhidrosis: Implications on symptoms,daily life,health and alcohol consumption when treated with botulinum toxin

Primary hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3% of the population and reduces quality of life in affected persons. Few studies have investigated the symptoms of anxiety, depression and hazardous alcohol consumption among those with hyperhidrosis and the effect of treatment with botulinum toxin. The first aim of this study was to investigate the effect of primary hyperhidrosis on mental and physical health, and alcohol consumption. Our second aim was to study whether and how treatment with botulinum toxin changed these effects. One hundred and fourteen patients answered questionnaires regarding hyperhidrosis and symptoms, including hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS), visual analog scale (VAS) 10‐point scale for hyperhidrosis symptoms, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) and short‐form health survey (SF‐36) before treatment with botulinum toxin and 2 weeks after. The age of onset of hyperhidrosis was on average 13.4 years and 48% described heredity for hyperhidrosis. Significant improvements were noted in patients with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis regarding mean HDSS, VAS 10‐point scale, HADS, SF‐36 and sweat‐related health problems 2 weeks after treatment with botulinum toxin. Changes in mean AUDIT for all participants were not significant. Primary hyperhidrosis mainly impairs mental rather than physical aspects of life and also interferes with specific daily activities of the affected individuals. Despite this, our patients did not show signs of anxiety, depression or hazardous alcohol consumption. Treatment with botulinum toxin reduced sweat‐related problems and led to significant improvements in HDSS, VAS, HADS and SF‐36 in our patients.     

Subcutaneous curettage vs. injection of botulinum toxin A for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis is a functional non-inflammatory abnormality of the eccrine sweat glands. The cause of genuine hyperhidrosis is unknown and, therefore, no specific corrective therapy is available and conservative treatment often fails. Subcutaneous sweat gland curettage of the axillae is one of the proven surgical modalities. Local injection of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) is a promising new conservative approach. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of subcutaneous curettage vs. injection of BT-A in axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: A total of 113 patients (36.3% males, 63.7% females) suffering from genuine axillary hyperhidrosis were treated by either subcutaneous curettage (n = 90) or local injection of BT-A (n = 23). Median follow-up period was 23.5 months. Questionnaires were handed out to patients for a subjective assessment of symptoms before treatment, 6 months after the procedure, and at the time of last follow-up. The patients were asked to rate the amount of axillary sweating based on a score ranging from 1 (no axillary secretion) to 6 (maximum axillary secretion). The subjective scores of sweating at rest, at high temperatures, under physical stress, under emotional stress and after spicy meals were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' subjective assessments of the overall outcome after subcutaneous curettage were 'very good' in 36.4%, 'good' in 29.9% and 'satisfactory' in 16.9%. The subjective score of axillary sweating at rest was reduced to 40.0% after 6 months, and finally to 45.7% at the end of follow-up (median: 28.2 months). Patients treated by BT-A injection assessed outcome as 'very good' in 39.1%, 'good' in 21.7% and 'satisfactory' in 8.7%. Sweating at rest was reduced to 48.5% after 6 months, and finally to 68.8% at the end of follow-up (median: 16.1 months). The mean duration of the antiperspiration effect of BT-A was 7.6 months (median: 7 months), but there were two cases of long durations, i.e. 14 and 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous curettage and injection of BT-A both present major advantages compared with earlier methods. Subcutaneous curettage offers the same permanent efficacy but far fewer side-effects than sympathectomy, and less scarring than local excisional procedures, respectively. Of the conservative approaches BT-A is by far the most efficacious. Patients should be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.     

Treatment of pachyonychia congenita with plantar injections of botulinum toxin

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare genodermatosis which may be associated with painful, focal hyperkeratosis on the soles. Plantar sweating at high ambient temperatures increases the blistering of the callosities. We report three patients with PC who had great problems in walking, especially during summer time. They were treated with intracutaneous plantar injections of botulinum toxin type A (Dysport, 100 U mL(-1); Ipsen, Slough, U.K.) after prior intravenous regional anaesthesia of the foot with a low tourniquet and 25 mL prilocaine (5 mg mL(-1)). Within a week all three patients experienced dryness and a remarkable relief of pain from plantar pressure sites. The effect duration was 6 weeks to 6 months. Repeated injections over a 2-year period confirmed the good results, with no side-effects or tachyphylaxis noted.     

Efficacy of botulinum toxin in pachyonychia congenita type 1: report of two new cases

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare genodermatosis caused by a mutation in keratin genes, which can lead to hypertrophic nail dystrophy and focal palmoplantar keratoderma (predominantly plantar), amongst other manifestations. Painful blisters and callosities, sometimes exacerbated by hyperhidrosis, are major issues that can have a significant impact on patient quality of life. Many alternative treatments for this condition have been applied with variable and partial clinical response, but a definitive cure for this disease has yet to be discovered. After obtaining informed consent, two patients with genetically confirmed PC type 1 were treated with plantar injections of botulinum toxin type A. Both patients showed a marked improvement in pain and blistering with an average response time of one week, a six‐month mean duration of effectiveness, and a lack of any side effects or tachyphylaxis.     

Local injection of botulinum toxin A for palmar hyperhidrosis: usefulness and efficacy in relation to severity

Botulinum toxin A is widely used in Europe and the USA for the treatment of localized hyperhidrosis, and its efficacy has been recognized. In this study, botulinum toxin A (Botox) was locally injected at 30 sites (2 U/injection) on the right palm in 27 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (14 severe patients, 13 mild patients), and the results confirmed the efficacy of injection. The amount of sweat was then quantified for the left and right hands every month after local injection. The quantity of sweat on the treated hand was approximately one-fifth that on the untreated hand. In addition, the quantity of sweat on the untreated hand decreased slightly. Over time, the quantity of sweat on the treated hand increased slightly, but the quantity of sweat on the treated hand at 6 months after injection was less than half that before injection, and there were significant differences before and after injection. In the present study, severe sweating was defined as 1 mg/cm2/min or more and mild sweating as less than 1 mg/cm2/min, and the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin A were analyzed in relation to severity. When compared to the mild cases, the quantity of sweat remained higher in the severe cases after botulinum toxin A therapy. Therefore, to achieve satisfactory effects in severe cases, it would be necessary to increase the number of injection sites, as well as injection dose.     

Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A reconstituted in lidocaine or in normal saline: a randomized, side-by-side, double-blind study

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A represents a safe and effective treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. One of the most troublesome disadvantages associated with this therapy is pain at the injection sites. Reconstitution of botulinum toxin A in a solution of lidocaine could be an easy alternative procedure to reduce the discomfort associated with those injections. However, the current recommendations are that botulinum toxin A should be reconstituted in normal saline. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and tolerance profile of saline-diluted botulinum toxin A and lidocaine-diluted botulinum toxin A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: In a double-blind, side-by-side, controlled, randomized clinical trial, 29 patients were injected with 100 mouse units of botulinum toxin A (Botox); Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Westport, Ireland) reconstituted in lidocaine into one axilla and with the same dosage of the toxin, reconstituted in an equal volume of saline, into the other axilla. The patients were followed up for 8 months. Quantification of sweat production was performed by iodine-starch tests and by the patients' own rating of sweating. The intensity of pain associated with the botulinum toxin intracutaneous injections was self-assessed by the patients and was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Botulinum toxin A diluted in normal saline and botulinum toxin A diluted in lidocaine were similarly effective in terms of control of onset of sweat production, duration of effect and subjective percentage of mean decrease in sweating. Both treatments were well tolerated, and there were no lasting or severe adverse effects. However, the mean +/- SD pain score during the procedure was significantly lower in the axillae treated with lidocaine-reconstituted botulinum toxin than in the axillae treated with saline-reconstituted botulinum toxin (29.3 +/- 20.1 vs. 47.5 +/- 24.0; P = 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: Short- and long-term results show the equal effectiveness of botulinum toxin A reconstituted in saline or in lidocaine. However, because injections of botulinum toxin A reconstituted in lidocaine are associated with significantly reduced pain, lidocaine-reconstituted botulinum toxin A may be preferable for treating axillary hyperhidrosis.     

Daily pattern of sweating and response to stress and exercise in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Focal hyperhidrosis is an embarrassing condition that can have a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. It is characterized by excessive sweating affecting a variety of areas, including the palms. Little is known about the daily pattern of sweating in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. OBJECTIVES: To compare the variation of sweating in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis with healthy individuals during daily activities. METHODS: Twenty patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were studied. Each participant self-assessed rates of sweating for 7 days on an hourly basis using a subjective evaluation scale (SES) ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: The 3763 assessments showed clear differences between patients and healthy controls (median SES score 5 and 0, respectively; P < 0.0001). Stress and exercise significantly increased SES by scores of 2-5 in both groups, with stress influencing patients more than controls. SES scores in patients varied significantly, from 0 to 2 during mornings and evenings, and between 5 and 6 at mid-day, while scores in control subjects remained consistently close to 0. The pattern of change depended weakly on sex and weekday/weekend distinction. Dynamic responses to stress and exercise in patients had the tendency to return to baseline more slowly than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Hourly changes in sweating rates can be assessed successfully through self-assessment. Patients with primary palmar focal hyperhidrosis reported significantly increased palmar sweating and daily patterns of sweating showing considerable variation dependent on factors such as time of day and emotional stimuli.     

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of botulinum A toxin for severe axillary hyperhidrosis

Excessive axillary hyperhidrosis is a socially embarrassing condition which severely reduces quality of life and may result in psychological disturbance. Available treatment strategies do not resolve the problem in all cases. Intracutaneous injections of botulinum A toxin have been shown to be effective in patients with local sweating disorders. We performed a randomized, double-blind, within-group comparison in 13 individuals (nine women and four men) with severe axillary hyperhidrosis resistant to conventional treatment, to study the effect of intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin on sweating. A total dose of 200 mouse units of botulinum A toxin (Dysport(R)) was injected into six different sites in one axilla, whereas the other was injected with sterile saline. Objective quantification of sweat production was performed using digitized ninhydrin-stained sheets. Three weeks after treatment, the mean difference in ninhydrin staining between botulinum-treated and placebo-treated axillae was -34.5% (P < 0.001), after 8 weeks -36.9% (P < 0.001) and after 13 weeks -28.4% (P < 0.001). Subjective rating of sweat production was evaluated on a visual analogue scale (0, no sweating, to 100, most severe sweating). Three weeks after treatment the difference between the botulinum-treated and placebo-treated axillae was -56.5% (P < 0.001), after 8 weeks -67.4% (P < 0.001) and after 13 weeks -62.5% (P < 0.001). No serious side-effects were observed.     

Comparison of microwave ablation,botulinum toxin injection,and liposuction-curettage in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: A systematic review

Background: Primary focal axillary hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating that can strongly impact quality of life. Objective: The objective if this study was to compare microwave ablation (MA), botulinum toxin (BT) injection, and liposuction-curettage (LC) in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis based on subjective and objective criteria. Methods: A systematic review of the literature published in French or English between 1 January 1991 and 1 February 2015 was completed using PubMed and Embase databases. Results: 16 of 775 articles were selected based on relevance and criteria of inclusion and exclusion. The three methods proved to be efficient and safe; however, MA and BT had better results when compared to LC in the short term. Both MA and LC showed longer lasting results when compared to BT. However, in the long term, MA was superior to LC. Conclusion: MA, LC, and BT injections are safe and efficient minimally invasive alternatives for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further compare the efficacy of these techniques.     

Psychosocial aspects of patients with focal hyperhidrosis. Marked reduction of social phobia, anxiety and depression and increased quality of life after treatment with botulinum toxin A

BACKGROUND: Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is defined as excessive sweating typically localized to specific body areas such as axillae, hands and feet. An association between PFH and anxiety as well as depressive syndromes has been suggested. OBJECTIVES: To investigate a possible association between PFH and anxiety, depression, social phobia and quality of life, and to study the effect of treatment with botulinum toxin A on these factors. METHODS: PFH was confirmed clinically and by gravimetry. To measure anxiety and depressive syndromes several German versions of standardized questionnaires were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory G Form X2 (STAI), Social Phobia Scale (SPS), Symptom Checklist of Derogatis (SCL-90-R), subscales 'Social Insecurity', 'Depression', 'Anxiety' and 'Phobia', and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Quality of life was assessed using Skindex. Two analyses were performed. The first analysis included all patients with PFH, the second analysis only patients with PFH who were treated with botulinum toxin A. In the latter group the questionnaires were repeated 2-4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: For the total group at baseline the values for STAI, SCL-90-R, HADS-D and SPS were well within the normal range. However, in the group of patients treated with botulinum toxin A, the mean +/- SD SPS score was 17.6 +/- 15.5, i.e. above the normal range. Quality of life was impaired, with a mean +/- SD Skindex score of 24.3 +/- 5.7 at baseline. Treatment with botulinum toxin A led to a significant reduction in all investigated symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an impaired quality of life, patients with PFH in general do not show increased symptoms of anxiety, depression or social phobia. Only in the subgroup of patients treated with botulinum toxin A was the SPS increased at baseline. Treatment with botulinum toxin A led to a marked improvement in all factors investigated.