AXILLARY HYPERHIDROSIS - SUCCESSFUL TREAT MENT WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN-A

Severe hyperhidrosis may present as a vexing condition for the patient and a therapeutic challenge for the physician. As botulinum toxin-A ( BT-A) can potently block cholinergic sympathic innervation of sweat gl ands it was used in an open trial for controlling severe axillary hype rhidrosis. After visualization of hyperhidrosis using the iodine-starc h-test BT-A (Dysport, 400 Units) was injected intradermally in one axi lla. One week later gravimetric quantification of sweat secretion reve aled a reduction of sweating to 4-9% of initial values. In order to ru le out daily variations as well as other factors interfering with swea t production BT-A treatment was restricted to only one axilla in each individual clearly demonstrating extensive anhidrotic efficacy on the treated side only. The treatment was well tolerated without side-effec ts and was assessed as 'completely satisfying' by all patients. BT-A m ay offer a fast, safe and highly effective therapeutic option for seve re hyperhidrosis.