Focal hyperhidrosis is a condition that may disturb emotional, social and p
rofessional life. Treatment options for severe cases are surgical sympathec
tomy and local chemical sweat gland denervation by intradermal injections o
f botulinum toxin A (Btx A). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a
simple validated questionnaire designed to measure and compare disability
in different skin diseases. The aim of this study was to assess quality of
life with the DLQI before and after treatment with botulinum toxin injectio
ns in a group of patients with severe hyperhidrosis. DLQI was administered
to 58 randomly chosen patients before and after treatment. All patients ans
wered the DLQI questionnaire prior to treatment and 53/58 at mean 5.2 month
s after treatment. The mean DLQI score in the 58 patients before treatment
was 10.3 (2-23). In the group of 16/53 patients who had a relapse of sweati
ng when answering the DLQI a second time, no significant improvement was se
en [score 10.6 before and 8.8 after treatment (P = 0.21)]. In patients with
out relapse, a 76% improvement was obtained (DLQI was reduced from 9.9 to 2
.4; P < 0.0001). The study showed that focal hyperhidrosis may considerably
reduce life quality and the disability experienced by the patients can be
largely reversed by botulinum toxin injections.