We know that botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport) can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as softening forehead lines, crow's feet, gummy smile, pebbly chin, and neck bands.  But did you also know that it can help many medical conditions as well?  Dr. Bilu Martin co-authored a chapter in the recently published textbook "Botulinum Toxins: Cosmetic and Clinical Applications."  The chapter is titled "Exciting New Uses of Botulinum Toxin Type A: Dermatology/Dermatologic Surgery and Beyond."  Currently, the botulinum toxin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multiple medical conditions, including: the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating), blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia in adults, chronic migraine, overactive bladder, and upper/lower limb spasticity.

But there are a number of conditions that have been reported in the literature to improve with Botox, although the following indications have not yet been approved by the FDA.  These include:

Pain, including persistent pain after herpes zoster (shingles)

Pruritus (itching)

Depression

Persistent facial flushing

Wound healing

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Inverse Psoriasis

Wound healing

Raynaud's syndrome

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (enlargement)

Although more research is needed before Botox becomes standard of care for these treatments,  results look promising.  As if we needed more reasons to love botulinum toxin!