DEL Articles

For the many of the millions dealing with specific types of excessive sweating such as palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis, finding a treatment option like iontophoresis can be a relief. The use of iontophoresis has increased as more people suffering from hyperhidrosis are searching for new excessive sweating treatment options. It makes sense when the number of people who fail to get relief from standard treatments like prescription strength antiperspirants.

The process of iontophoresis works by using water to conduct a low electric current through the surface of the skin. It remains largely a mystery why iontophoresis functions as an excessive sweating treatment, but physicians suggest that the trace minerals found in the water and the electrical charge act together to cause a microscopic thickening of the outer skin tissue. By thickening the skin, the flow of sweat to the surface is impeded. Once the outpour of sweat is interrupted, sweat production to the palms and feet may stop completely.

During the process of iontophoresis, electricity is applied to the patient’s hands, feet, or both, when they are immersed in shallow trays. They must spend at least 20 to 40 minutes soaking in the trays while an attached device sends electric current through the water. Iontophoresis treatments are repeated until the sweating is lowered to comfortable levels. Afterwards, the patient must continue treatments periodically to maintain the level of dryness desired.

You should be aware that water content can have measurable effect on the quality of iontophoresis treatment you receive. Factors like geography, mineral make-up, levels of electrolytes, or whether soft water is being used can influence the quality of this excessive sweating treatment. Doctors may add elements to the water to make iontophoresis treatments work better. Such materials may include baking soda or prescription drugs like anticholinergics.

There are certain people who should not use iontophoresis as an excessive sweating treatment. This includes women who are pregnant, those with pacemakers, cardiac conditions, sizeable metallic implants like join replacements, and those who have epilepsy. You should remember to remove metal jewelry before using this excessive sweating treatment.

People considering the use of iontophoresis as a hyperhidrosis treatment often have concerns about the chance of shock as well as skin irritations associated with the procedure. Most of the concern is unwarranted. With excessive dryness or irritation of the skin, most of the time a basic moisturizer will do the trick. The doctor in charge of the procedure may even offer Vaseline as a way to protect highly sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Electric shock is unrealistic considering that the level of current is very low.

Since control of the hyperhidrosis is the ultimate goal, you need to know whether iontophoresis will provide the best treatment option; the best way to do this is by talking to a skin expert. You should find out if iontophoresis is the best excessive sweating treatment for your situation.