March 30, 2006

Assessing use of Botox for excessive sweating

By Elizabeth Crown

Forget that adage about how men sweat and women perspire. We all sweat, and it’s a good thing we do. Sweating controls body temperature.

But some people, including adolescents, sweat copiously and uncontrollably following mild or even no stimulation. They suffer from a disorder called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, an embarrassing and often emotionally and psychologically debilitating disorder. Hyperhidrosis runs in families and affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population.

Researchers at the Feinberg School of Medicine are conducting a research study to determine if Botox® can be used safely and effectively in adolescents with underarm hyperhidrosis. The investigational drug under study is administered via tiny injections in the underarm area.

Murad Alam, M.D., assistant professor and chief of cutaneous surgery in the department of dermatology at the Feinberg School, is principal investigator on the study.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be boys or girls aged 12 to 17, weigh at least 50 pounds and have received a clinical diagnosis of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Participants must be accompanied to clinic visits by a parent or guardian.

For information call Rania Majzoub, M.D., or Susan Lai, M.D. at (312) 695-0281 or (312) 695-0287.