Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Facial Flushing

The Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Rosacea: A Systematic Review

The off-label use of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) in treating rosacea seems encouraging, but the evidence is still lacking regarding its efficacy and safety. This study was conducted to summarize the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A in the treatment of rosacea patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in several databases, and 17 studies were included. Before-after and split-face comparisons showed that BoNT-A significantly alleviated the symptoms of facial erythema and flushing and improved the patient's quality of life/satisfaction. However, the symptoms recurred three to six months post-injection, requiring repeated treatments in some patients. The pooled rates of post-injection localized erythema, ecchymosis, and facial muscle affection represented 24.6%, 5.1%, and 4.3%, respectively. BoNT-A seems to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of rosacea with a low rate of adverse events. However, the recurrence of the symptoms a few months after the injection requires repeated sessions, which may raise cost-effectiveness issues. Large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm the effectiveness and define the optimal dosing regimen and the rate of recurrence. Future studies should allow for an adequate follow-up after the treatment, with repeated measurements of the outcomes.

The Role of Cosmetology in an Effective Treatment of Rosacea: A Narrative Review

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease usually occurring in middle-aged patients. It manifests itself as an inflammatory condition with perivascular infiltrate, dilated blood vessels, lymphoedema, hyperplasia of sebaceous glands, and disorders of connective tissue structures brought on by fibrosis. Rosacea is characterized by multifactorial inflammatory mechanisms, and therefore it requires an interdisciplinary approach including adequate skin care, topical and/or systemic therapy, and physical modalities to successfully treat the various symptoms and disease subtypes. However, data regarding the possible role of cosmetologists in rosacea remains scanty and equivocal. The objectives of cosmetology therapy include restoration and regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, the strengthening of blood vessels and regulation of their permeability, and the regulation of keratinization. Vascular abnormalities can be targeted with specific light and laser devices. Therefore, the present paper aims to review the latest advances and summarize different aspects concerning skin care in rosacea. Particular attention has been paid to the co-operation of cosmetologists with other specialists in order to bring about the interdisciplinary management of rosacea. It is also important to keep in mind that it is usually necessary to combine various methods of treatment, as this approach is more effective than monotherapy for attaining satisfactory cosmetic results in rosacea patients.

Emerging off-label esthetic uses of botulinum toxin in dermatology

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism. Botulinum toxin was first used for therapeutic indications in the 1970s for the treatment of strabismus. With greater understanding of its underlying physiology and safety profile, the use of botulinum toxin has now expanded to a range of cosmetic and medical indications. We performed a systematic review of current literature on the applications of botulinum toxin on off-label esthetic uses. Electronic databases were searched for original published studies including randomized trials, observational or cohort studies, as well as relevant case reports. To add to the body of evidence, our review summarizes and synthesizes key study characteristics, results, and level of evidence for each use case. Although the body of evidence remains weak, there is increasing support for the use of botulinum toxin in emerging off-label esthetic uses of botulinum toxin in dermatology.

Updates and Best Practices in the Management of Facial Erythema

Facial erythema is a common dermatologic complaint. There are many medical and procedure-based treatments to help reduce the appearance of unwanted facial redness. The authors review a variety of treatment options and techniques to reduce facial erythema and prominent facial veins including topical medical therapies, a variety of lasers, light- and energy-based devices as well as the use of neuromodulators and sclerotherapy. The benefits and potential pitfalls of each procedure modality are also highlighted.

Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Dermatology: Systematic Review

Botulinum toxin is a superfamily of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum with well-established efficacy and safety profile in focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxins have also been used in many other skin diseases, in off label regimen. The objective of this manuscript is to review and analyze the main therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins in skin diseases. A systematic review of the published data was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Botulinum toxins present several label and off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. The best-reported evidence concerns focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, suppurative hidradenitis, Hailey–Hailey disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex Weber–Cockayne type, Darier’s disease, pachyonychia congenita, aquagenic keratoderma, alopecia, psoriasis, notalgia paresthetica, facial erythema and flushing, and oily skin. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and doses protocols for off label applications.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of rosacea - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, relatively more frequent in women over 30 with a low phototype and proven genetic predisposition. Although its etiology is unknown and possibly multifactorial, the immunological abnormality, associated with neurovascular dysregulation and triggering factors, are important elements in its pathophysiology, which lead to the main changes of inflammation, vasodilation, and angiogenesis that are responsible for the clinical manifestations. Despite the lack of cure, numerous therapeutic options are available for the different clinical presentations of the disease, with satisfactory responses.

OBJECTIVE

To reach a consensus, with recommendations from experts, on the therapeutic management of rosacea suitable to the Brazilian setting.

METHODS

The study was conducted by five specialized dermatologists from university centers, representatives of the different Brazilian regions, with experience in rosacea, who were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the experts contributed through an updated bibliographic review of the scientific evidence, combined with personal experiences.

RESULTS

The group of experts reached a consensus on the relevant aspects in the therapeutic management of rosacea, providing information on epidemiology, pathophysiology, triggering factors, clinical condition, classification, quality of life, and comorbidities. Consensus was defined as approval by at least 90% of the panel.

CONCLUSION

Despite the impossibility of cure, there are several therapeutic alternatives specific to each patient that provide excellent results, with chances of total improvement and long periods of remission, promoting a positive impact on quality of life. This consensus provides detailed guidance for clinical practice and therapeutic decisions in rosacea.

The toxic edge-A novel treatment for refractory erythema and flushing of rosacea

PURPOSE

Rosacea is a common, chronic facial skin disease that affects the quality of life. Treatment of facial erythema with intradermal botulinum toxin injection has previously been reported. The primary objective of the study was the safety and efficacy of thermal decomposition of the stratum corneum using a novel non-laser thermomechanical system (Tixel, Novoxel, Israel) to increase skin permeability for Botulinum toxin in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea.

METHODS

A retrospective review of16 patients aged 23-45 years with Fitzpatrick Skin Types II to IV and facial erythematotelangiectatic rosacea treated by Tixel followed by topical application of 100 U of abobotulinumtoxin. A standardized high-definition digital camera photographed the patients at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Objective and subjective assessments of the patients were done via Mexameter, the Clinicians Erythema Assessment (CEA), and Patients self-assessment (PSA) scores and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) validated instrument.

RESULTS

The average Maxameter, CEA, and PSA scores at 1, 3, and 6 months were significantly improved compared with baseline (all had a P-value <0.001). DLQI scores significantly improved with an average score of 18.6 at baseline at 6 months after treatment (P < 0.001). Self-rated patient satisfaction was high. There were no motor function side-effects or drooping.

CONCLUSION

Thermal breakage of the stratum corneum using the device to increase skin permeability for botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea seems both effective and safe. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Botulinum Toxin Off-Label Use in Dermatology: A Review

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes a flaccid muscle paralysis. It is currently used for aesthetic treatments and in the focal hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxin has also been used experimentally in many other dermatological conditions with good results.

OBJECTIVE

To review and analyze the possible botulinum toxin off-label applications published.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the published data was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

this potent drug can lead to several off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and dose protocols.

Thoracic sympathectomy: a review of current indications

BACKGROUND

Thoracic sympathetic ablation was introduced over a century ago. While some of the early indications have become obsolete, new ones have emerged. Sympathetic ablation is being still performed for some odd indications thus prompting the present study, which reviews the evidence base for current practice.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed using the PubMed/Medline Database, and pertinent articles regarding the indications for thoracic sympathectomy were retrieved and evaluated. Old, historical articles were also reviewed as required.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Currently, thoracic sympathetic ablation is indicated mainly for primary hyperhidrosis, especially affecting the palm, and to a lesser degree, axilla and face, and for facial blushing. Despite modern pharmaceutical, endovascular and surgical treatments, sympathetic ablation has still a place in the treatment of very selected cases of angina, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy. Thoracic sympathetic ablation is indicated in several painful conditions: the early stages of complex regional pain syndrome, erythromelalgia, and some pancreatic and other painful abdominal pathologies. Although ischaemia was historically the major indication for sympathetic ablation, its use has declined to a few selected cases of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), microemboli, primary Raynaud's phenomenon and Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to collagen diseases, paraneoplastic syndrome, frostbite and vibration syndrome. Thoracic sympathetic ablation for hypertension is obsolete, and direct endovascular renal sympathectomy still requires adequate clinical trials. There are rare publications of sympathetic ablation for primary phobias, but there is no scientific basis to support sympathetic surgery for any psychiatric indication.

Update on the management of rosacea

Refining diagnostic criteria has identified key characteristics differentiating rosacea, a chronic skin disorder, from other common cutaneous inflammatory conditions. The current classification system developed by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee consists of erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular subtypes. Each subtype stands as a unique entity among a spectrum, with characteristic symptoms and physical findings, along with an intricate pathophysiology. The main treatment modalities for rosacea include topical, systemic, laser, and light therapies. Topical brimonidine tartrate gel and calcineurin inhibitors are at the forefront of topical therapies, alone or in combination with traditional therapies such as topical metronidazole or azelaic acid and oral tetracyclines or isotretinoin. Vascular laser and intense pulsed light therapies are beneficial for the erythema and telangiectasia, as well as the symptoms (itching, burning, pain, stinging, swelling) of rosacea. Injectable botulinum toxin, topical ivermectin, and microsecond long-pulsed neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser are emerging therapies that may prove to be extremely beneficial in the future. Once a debilitating disorder, rosacea has become a well known and manageable entity in the setting of numerous emerging therapeutic options. Herein, we describe the treatments currently available and give our opinions regarding emerging and combination therapies.

A succinct review of botulinum toxin in dermatology; update of cosmetic and noncosmetic use

Botulinum toxin A has a wide variety of clinical applications in medical and dermatologic sciences. Nowadays, researchers introduce some other indications for botulinum toxin in cosmetic and especially noncosmetic aspects of dermatology such as medical rhinoplasty, hypertrophic scar, chemical brow lift, supraciliary wrinkles, pompholix, eccrine angiomatosis, Hailey-Hailey, dermatochalasis, lichen simplex, nosthalgia parestetica, and granulosis rubra nasi. In this general overview of the use of botulinum toxin in dermatology, an extensive literature search was carried out to updates of all dermatology-oriented experiments and clinical trials on the mentioned aspect of botulinum toxin.

Management of facial blushing

Patients complaining of facial blushing should be investigated by a dermatologist or an internist to rule out serious underlying disorders. Patients with emotionally triggered blushing should be encouraged to try nonsurgical options as the first line of treatment. Provided there is still an indication for treatment, facial blushing may be treated effectively by thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The type of blushing likely to benefit from sympathectomy is mediated by the sympathetic nerves and is the uncontrollable, rapidly developing blush typically elicited when one receives attention from other people. Side effects are frequent, but most patients are satisfied with the operation. In the short term, the key to success in sympathetic surgery for facial blushing lies in a meticulous and critical patient selection and in ensuring that the patient is thoroughly informed about the high risk of side effects. In the long term, the key to success in sympathetic surgery for facial blushing lies in more quality research comparing surgical, pharmacologic, and psychotherapeutic treatments.

Novel cutaneous uses for botulinum toxin type A

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.

Symptomatic treatment of idiopathic and rosacea-associated cutaneous flushing with propranolol

Flushing has been associated with medications, rosacea, menopause, carcinoid syndrome, pheochromocytoma, polycythemia, and mastocytosis, although it can occur without known cause. There are no known specific treatments available, but beta-blockers have suppressed flushing reactions in some patients, particularly when associated with anxiety. The medical histories and clinical characteristics of 9 patients with either idiopathic flushing or flushing associated with rosacea were reviewed. Eight patients experienced subjective improvement with propranolol therapy.

Treatment of facial chromhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A

BACKGROUND

Hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic condition of exaggerated sweat production by the eccrine glands that affects approximately 1% of the population. There are many viable therapeutic options and the use of botulinum toxin has become an important treatment option and received FDA approval for this disorder in July 2004. The other forms of aberrant sweating; bromhidrosis (malodorous) and chromhidrosis (pigmented) are much rarer and more recalcitrant to treatment.

METHOD

This is the first case report of dark-colored facial sweat in a young woman that was adequately controlled with botulinum toxin.

CONCLUSION

Chromhidrosis is an unusual clinical entity with an ill-defined glandular etiology. The successful response to botulinum toxin supports the eccrine gland as a source of the sweat production and, furthermore, that the administration of this toxin should be considered as a form of therapy.