Abstract
BACKGROUNDMany reports have described the use of botulinum toxin (BTX) in the treatment of scalp conditions, but no studies have synthesized these collective findings. OBJECTIVEWe conducted a systematic review to summarize the scalp conditions for which treatment with BTX has been described. METHODSWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus for articles in English published before November 1, 2022, using the keywords "hair" or "scalp" and BTX-related search terms. Articles that described patients who received injections of BTX for the management of scalp conditions were included. RESULTSTwenty-four original articles (12 case reports, 9 clinical trials, and 3 case series) were identified that described 309 patients with a scalp condition treated with BTX. Androgenetic alopecia, craniofacial hyperhidrosis, and scalp hyperseborrhea had the most robust data supporting the clinical efficacy of BTX. CONCLUSIONThe current quality of evidence is highly variable and, for many conditions, limited to small observational studies. Botulinum toxin may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with various scalp conditions, but future studies are needed to better understand its efficacy and safety.
