Novel cutaneous uses for botulinum toxin type A

Authors: Bansal, Cheryl¹; Omlin, Kenny J²; Hayes, Christine M³; Rohrer, Thomas E³

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 5, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 268-272(5)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Summary

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes a flaccid muscle paralysis. It has been used extensively in the field of dermatology for the treatment of dynamic rhytides and in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin has an excellent safety profile and few side effects when used for these purposes. Recently, botulinum toxin has also been used experimentally in a number of other dermatologic conditions with good results. These conditions include: persistent facial flushing, gustatory sweating and epiphora, anal fissures, familial benign pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease), dyshidrotic eczema, and following surgical wound closures. While randomized, controlled prospective trials are still needed to further understand the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in these conditions, anecdotal and case report data suggest that botulinum toxin is both safe and efficacious in these and many other procedures.

Keywords: botulinum toxin; cutaneous; rhytides

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00255.x

Affiliations: 1: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 2: Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 3: Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Publication date: 2006-09-01