Immediately after Botox, I have itching welt/hive. New doctor said no problem to try it again? (Photo)

Question

After my 8th time of Botox, immediately intense itching and welt, at 2 our of 3 injection sites. Itching went away after 20 minutes and welt after several hours. This never happened before. Largest hive/welt was at the site which got the most Botox. Went for second opinion and new doc says not to worry and just do it again, originally she seemed unsure. I only received 10 units total. There are unfortunately reports of anaphaytic at cosmetic dose, is it too risky to try again?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There are many causes of wheals, raised swollen bumps that itch and may be red, including pressure, numbing creams applied prior to Botox injections, and possibly the liquid agent that is mixed with the Botox powder, and the albumin component mixed with Botox at the factory.  
There are preservatives in saline to which one may react.
You could consider having an allergist test you to Botox and if you do test positive, you may be able to tolerate Xeomin or possibly Dysport which are the same serotype of botulinum toxin as is Botox but they are produced slightly differently. You could have the same allergist test you to Dysport and Xeomin as well. This might be costly as I doubt any allergist has these botulinum toxins available and they would have to purchase them for just you, but that would be the safest way to proceed.
The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have not seen allergic symptoms like itching and swelling in any of our patients who received Botox without topical anesthetic. Occasionally, topical anesthetic (lidocaine, prilocaine, phenylepherine ointment) may cause contact dermatitis. If your treatment was not performed with topical anesthetic, consider calling Allergan to register an adverse reaction. Also consider consulting with a reputable allergist for an opinion before getting another Botox treatment. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

I would do a skin test with a small dose of Botox in the doctor's office with some epinephrine ready. Although unlikely, it is possible to develop an allergy to anything even though you have had it many times before.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

If you developed an allergic reaction post Botox treatment, whatever the cause I would be very cautious.

Kurt Kuhlman, DO · Answer

I have never seen an allergic reaction with Botox. You should have your injector complete and adverse reaction report with Allergan (the manufacturer of Botox). Do this now before you have it done again.

Immediately after Botox, I have itching welt/hive. New doctor said no problem to try it again? (Photo)

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Answer: Immediately after Botox , I have itching, welt/hives. New Doctor said no problem try it again.

Answer: Immediately after Botox , I have itching, welt/hives. New Doctor said no problem try it again.

Answer: Itching after Botox

Answer: Itching after Botox

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Immediately after Botox, I have itching welt/hive. New doctor said no problem to try it again? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Immediately after Botox , I have itching, welt/hives. New Doctor said no problem try it again.

Answer: Immediately after Botox , I have itching, welt/hives. New Doctor said no problem try it again.

Answer: Itching after Botox

Answer: Itching after Botox

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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