Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin A

Focal hyperhidrosis of axillae, palms or soles is a frequent, socially debilitating condition triggered by various emotional stimuli. There are several treatment options such as local application of metal sales (aluminum chloride) or tap water iontophoresis, which provide temporary relief for some patients. More recently, local intradermal injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), a neurotoxin blocking the cholinergic stimulus of eccrine sweat glands, offers an effective treatment option with few side-effects. Patient satisfaction rates are high, although treatment effects only last a few months. For definite care, surgical procedures have to be considered.