Botulinum toxin: a new tool in the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis

Focal hyperhidrosis is a quantitative disturbance of sweat function which m ay involve multiple areas. It is a chronic condition and can cause the pati ent severe problems in social and professional relationships. Conventional treatments have proved to be marginally effective, impractical and/or with potentially significant side effects. Botulinum toxin type A is capable of blocking the cholinergic transmission to the eccrine glands, thus inhibitin g sweat production. A series of 53 patients treated with Botulinum toxin fo r focal hyperhidrosis of multiple areas is reported. Intradermal injections of 2 mU were performed every 1.5 cm(2), with an average dose of 40 mU for each axilla, 50-60 mU for each palm and sole. The treatment has proved to b e very effective in most cases, with the best results in the axilla. The me an duration of the effect was 6 months.