The value of local botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of the pain of aphthous ulcer.

To determine the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A to reduce pain of recurrent aphthous ulcer, a single blinded placebo controlled trial of botulinum toxin A injection was performed. A total of 70 patients were enrolled and randomly received a botulinum toxin type A 1 unit or placebo. The patients were asked to note the level of pain on the visual analogue scale for 6 days. They also had to record any eventual side effects or recurrence for 6 months. More patients quickly recovered following Botulinum toxin type A injection than placebo; they would feel almost no pain after about 3 days. Botulinum toxin type A exhibits quick pain treatment effect following injection on aphthous ulcer. The author also believes that it can prevent recurrence for at least 6 months after injection.