Allergic to botox: swelling, burning, itching at/around injection sites. Does this mean I can't use Botox again?

Question

3 weeks ago I had a severe reaction to Botox on forehead. still recovering. I have used it several times before with no ill effects. Can I try xeomin??

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It might be that you are reacting to something else.  It could be the saline used to reconstitute the botox, the product used to numb the skin, the product used to sterilize the skin before the injection.  You injector would know what they are using.  I would not assume that you are allergic to botox because this is not what is seen.  Something else is going on.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your injection site issues.  As you mentioned having had Botox several times before without issue it is unlikely the Botox itself caused your symptoms.  Perhaps a preservative in the saline used to reconstitute it or a topical ointment that your injector may have applied? I would let your physician know so that a plan to identify the cause can be determined.  Best wishes.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that you are allergic to Botox. It had to be something else that injection site came in contact with such as numbing cream, sterilization product or something used after the injection. I advise you to contact your provider and determine what caused the allergy. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that you are allergic to Botox. It had to be something else that injection site came in contact with such as numbing cream, sterilization product or something used after the injection. I advise you to contact your provider and determine what caused the allergy. Good luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and it is important to note that true allergy to Botox or any of the toxins is very, very rare and I doubt that whatever happened in your case is an allergy to the product, more likely something that happened during the injection process or afterwards.  These injections should always be given in the offices of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon and if there are any questions or concerns, we are always available to discuss and to hopefully handle things without much concern.  Find the right provider and you should do fine.

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

Botox is not known to cause these sort of symptoms so you must be allergic to something else used during the procedure.  You should check with your injector to try to figure out what was used. I think it would be safe to try again as long as you avoid all other substances. Good luck.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is highly unusual to be allergic to Botox. More likely, it is an allergy to the benzyl alcohol in the preserved saline used to mix up the Botox. This can be tested by just injecting the preserved saline into the forearm and looking for a reaction. If you are allergic to this, the Botox can be mixed with nonpreserved saline and you can have Botox safely.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Probably should be evaluated by a dermatologist and a skin patch test performed to confirm exactly what is the issue.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

First find out what the injector diluted the botox with if they used lidocaine you may feel a swelling and pain during the the injections. A burning sensation.
Allergy generally has  itching , redness hives etc if you are allergic avoid all the botox type products because the parent compound is a botulinm

Allergic to botox: swelling, burning, itching at/around injection sites. Does this mean I can't use Botox again?

Answers (9)

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