Purpose | Preparation | Procedure | Side Effects | Effectiveness
What Is Iontophoresis?
Since 1968, tap water iontophoresis has been employed as the method of choice for treating palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. During iontophoresis, a medical device delivers mild electrical currents while your affected body part is submerged in water. The currents are often delivered to the hands, feet, or armpits to block your sweat glands temporarily. Some people feel a slight tingling sensation during the procedure, but the electrical current isn’t strong enough to shock you. Iontophoresis is most commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis disorder, a condition that results in persistent and excessive sweating. This sweating may occur in certain situations, such as during warm weather or physical activity, or without any trigger at all. It can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or menopause. Aside from treating hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis may also be used to treat sports injuries by delivering anti-inflammatory medications directly into the skin.
Why Is Iontophoresis Performed?
Everyone sweats, but some people sweat more than others. People who frequently experience excessive or constant sweating for no apparent reason may have a condition called hyperhidrosis disorder. Iontophoresis is one type of treatment that can be used to relieve symptoms of this condition. People with hyperhidrosis may undergo several iontophoresis sessions per week, each lasting about 20 to 40 minutes.
Doctors aren’t exactly sure why iontophoresis helps people with hyperhidrosis. However, it’s believed that the procedure blocks sweat from coming out of the sweat glands to stopping sweating.
Though iontophoresis is most often used to treat severe sweating, it may also be used to treat a variety of sports injuries. Adding anti-inflammatory medicines to the water during iontophoresis can ease heel pain and other soft-tissue injuries. The electrical current helps the skin easily absorb the medications. Iontophoresis can be especially effective in reducing swelling around the joints and relieving pain. However, sprains or bursitis may respond well to this type of treatment.
How Do I Prepare for Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis doesn’t require any special or advanced preparation. However, make sure if you:
- are pregnant
- have epilepsy
- have a heart condition
- have a pacemaker or other metal implants, such as artificial joint replacements
You may not be able to undergo iontophoresis if you have any of the above medical conditions or devices. If this is the case, your doctor will recommend other options.
If you can undergo iontophoresis, it helps to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to any cuts or scratches on your skin before beginning a session. This will protect open wounds from irritation during treatment. If you’re performing an iontophoresis treatment at home, it’s also beneficial to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water beforehand. This will regulate the pH level of the water and help ensure treatment is effective.
What Happens During Iontophoresis?
When being used as a treatment for hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis is often performed at a doctor’s office. However, you can perform the treatments at home if you purchase our hyperhidrosis machine. The treatment process is fairly simple.
You’ll place the affected body part in a basin of water. Turn on the machine and increase the current until you feel a slight tingling sensation on your skin. This shouldn’t cause any pain.
Most iontophoresis sessions for hyperhidrosis last 25 to 45 minutes. However, you’ll likely need more than one session to notice a change in your symptoms. Some people with hyperhidrosis require treatments on a regular basis. You need schedule a series of sessions based on your symptoms. The results are dependent upon the current (voltage) and duration of treatment
What Are the Side Effects of Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is a safe and painless procedure. Some people may experience side effects as a result of iontophoresis, but the effects usually aren’t serious. The most common side effect is dryness of the skin. Blistering, peeling, and irritation might also occur on the skin. However, these side effects can usually be treated by applying moisturizer to the skin after each session. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also make you more comfortable.
How Effective Is Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is generally effective in treating hyperhidrosis. People often undergo 20- to 40-minute treatment sessions several times per week until sweating decreases to a desirable level. At that point, treatments are scheduled less frequently, usually about once per week. Iontophoresis treatments must be done regularly and before sweating increases to maintain results.
According to the Hyperhidrosis Network comparative review, Iontophoresis is the best and most cost-effective treatment option for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.
Contrary to cream or medication, tap water iontophoresis machines do not rely on potentially harmful chemicals. Since hyperhidrosis is a life-long condition, our solution promote the use of chemical free treatment. With a main powered iontophoresis machine, a device can last many years without the need of replacement parts or batteries.