Evaluation of Botulinum Toxin A as an Optional Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis

Fathia M Khattab, Fathia M Khattab

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Botulinum toxin (BTX) A has different biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antipruritic behavior. Studies on humans and animals have shown that BTX is efficient in treating itch caused by histamine, lichen simplex chronicus, psoriasis, rosacea, allergic rhinitis, and scar avoidance. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the impact of BTX-A in patients with atopic dermatitis using scores of SCORAD and to identify parameters linked to greater improvements. METHODS: This was a prospective, intrapatient, left-to-right, randomized, placebo-controlled study of BTX-A for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The study included 26 patients with atopic dermatitis (12 males and 14 females) with an average age of 37.8 years. Responses to therapy were assessed using SCORAD, Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), and the worldwide clinical reaction score evaluation. RESULTS: Mean SCORAD values dropped from 50.5 to 11 points (p<0.001); meanwhile, 64.1 percent of patients reported an excellent response, including 78.9 percent of patients with severe AD. The DLQI score fell by 10.15 points (43.5%) in patients treated with BTX-A. A statistically significant reduction in SCORAD and DLQI scores occurred relative to in the placebo group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, BTX-A appears to be a safe and effective therapy for atopic dermatitis of all grades (mild, moderate, and severe). However, BTX-A appears to be best suited for patients with severe atopic dermatitis.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; BTX-A; Botox; onabotulinum toxin A.

Conflict of interest statement

FUNDING:No funding was provided for this study. DISCLOSURES:The author has no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Copyright © 2020. Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
SCORAD scores among patients with AD with different disease severities before and after treatment
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Patient with AD lesion in the elbow; A) before treatment and; B) after treatment with botulinum toxin A
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Patient with AD lesion on the hand; A) before treatment and; B) after treatment with botulinum toxin A

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