Efficacy of botulinum toxin type-A (BT-A) in multiple eccrine hydrocystomas

The Gulf Journal of Dermatology and Venereology ABSTRACT Background: Although many treatments have been suggested for eccrine hydrocyctoma so far, most of them are disappointing. The autonomic inhibitory effect of botulinum toxin type-A (BT-A) can result in successful treatment of eccrine hydrocyctoma. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of BT-A in treatment of eccrine hydrocyctoma. Methods: Twenty two patients (16 females and 6 males) with eccrine hydrocyctoma documented pathologically were divided into two groups. In the first group (12 patients) and second group (10 patients) BT-A (dysport) was injected perilesional intradermally at a concentration of 5 and 10 units in 0.01 ml respectively. Results: Mean time duration of drug efficacy was 7.3 and 6.9 months in the first and second groups respectively (p value=0.840). Nine patients (75%) in the first group and 8 patients (80%) in the second group showed excellent response at first session treatment respectively (p value=0.727). Transient asymmetric smile was observed in two patients in each group. Conclusion: BT-A which is injected intradermally at very low dose is a safe and rapid treatment for eccrine hydrocyctoma. Even though complications are mild and transient but necessity of repeated treatment are major limitations of this drug.