Intracutaneous botulinum toxin A versus ablative therapy of Hailey-Hailey disease--a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hailey-Hailey disease is an autosomal-dominant blistering disease affecting the intertriginous skin. Dermabrasion and ablative laser treatment are known to be curative. Sweating is a common aggravating factor. Botulinum toxin A (BTXA) has been shown to inhibit sudoriferic nerves.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate whether a treatment with BTXA induces remissions and can compete with ablative therapy. To compare dermabrasion with erbium:YAG laser therapy.

METHOD:

Case report with side-by-side comparison. We used intracutaneous BTXA on both sides of the submammary region. Four days later a limited area of 25 cm(2) on each side was treated with either dermabrasion or erbium:YAG laser. The follow-up was 12 months.

RESULTS:

Wound healing was complete within 7 days after erbium:YAG laser and two weeks after dermabrasion. Areas treated with BTXA alone also showed complete remission within two weeks. During a follow-up, no relapse occurred with either treatment.

CONCLUSION:

BTXA is capable of inducing remissions of Hailey-Hailey disease without abrasion for at least 12 months. Among ablative treatments, erbium: YAG laser therapy leads to a more rapid wound closure than dermabrasion, with both causing complete remissions.

• Authors: H Konrad, T Karamfilov, U Wollina
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology (J Cosmet Laser Ther) Vol. 3 Issue 4 Pg. 181-4 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 1476-4172 [Print] England
• PMID: 12554326 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (therapeutic use)
• Dermabrasion (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intradermal
• Laser Therapy
• Middle Aged
• Neuromuscular Agents (therapeutic use)
• Pemphigus, Benign Familial (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome