Needle-Free Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Less Painful and Effective Solution for Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Japan: Palmar hyperhidrosis, characterised by excessive sweating of the palms, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections have proven effective in managing this condition, the excruciating pain during the injections has been a major concern. However, a recent study published in the Journal Of Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery by Hitomi Watanabe and colleagues presents a promising alternative – needle-free direct administration of BTX-A.
Researchers conducted a study to assess the effectiveness and pain levels associated with BTX-A injections for palmar hyperhidrosis using a needle-free direct administration system compared to conventional needle injections.
Effectiveness Confirmed: The study observed a reduction in perspiration quantity four weeks after administering both conventional needle BTX-A and needle-free BTX-A. This reduction was sustained throughout the 28-week observation period. Importantly, this demonstrates the continued effectiveness of both methods.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients reported significant improvements in their quality of life, as indicated by reduced hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale scores and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores for both conventional needle BTX-A and needle-free BTX-A treatments. This suggests that both methods provide valuable relief from the condition's impact.
Less Pain: One of the most noteworthy findings was that the needle-free BTX-A injections were associated with significantly lower pain levels compared to conventional needle injections. Patients rated their pain lower on the visual analog scale, and the degree of pain was noticeably reduced with the needle-free system.
The key to the reduced pain levels with needle-free injections lies in the technology itself. When the trigger of the pressurized needle-free injector device is activated, it employs gas-powered driving pressure to propel BTX-A through an orifice that is about four times narrower than a 30 G needle. This high-speed, fine orifice penetration minimizes the pain associated with the needle prick itself.
The advantages of needle-free direct administration extend beyond pain reduction. This innovative system administers the injectate under the skin without a visible needle, potentially alleviating needle anxiety for patients.
For individuals living with palmar hyperhidrosis, the excruciating pain during conventional BTX-A injections has been a significant drawback. However, the study's findings offer hope for a more comfortable and equally effective alternative. Needle-free direct administration of BTX-A not only provides relief from excessive sweating but also promises a less painful experience, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those with this condition.
Reference:
Watanabe, H., Ohshima, Y., & Watanabe, D. (2023). Therapeutic effectiveness of needle injection versus needle-free jet injector system for botulinum toxin type a in Palmar hyperhidrosis. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754231191062
