Iontophoresis

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What is Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis, also called electromotive drug administration (EMDA), is a technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin; essentially it is an injection without a needle. Tap water iontophoresis, one of the treatment options for hyperhidrosis uses an electrical current to introduce ions into the body through sweat-glands using regular water from the tap.

How does Iontophoresis treat Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat)?

The mechanism of treatment of hyperhidrosis through iontophoresis is not well understood but is thought to somehow involve the obstruction of eccrine ducts, thus reducing the generation of sweat from the treated body part. This treatment requires regular application as epidermal renewal leads to return of sweat production after some time.
Due to anatomical and functional constraints, this technique is most effective for palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat in hands and in feet). Off-late, manufacturers have also come up with ionto devices to treat other body parts such as face and underarms through iontophoresis.

Iontophoresis Devices

This treatment is administered through specialized medical devices. The ionto device, at its core is simply a electrical circuit that passes current through the part of body that is placed in the trays filled with tap water, and has 3 basic components:

  • A source of electric current
  • Trays to immerse the hand/feet into tap water and
  • Wires to connect the current source to the tray.

RA Fischer, Drionic, Hidrex and Idromed are some of the most popular manufacturers of ionto devices for hyperhidrosis patients (see here for details, comparison and reviews). These machines are relatively similar, but can have considerable differences in terms of the ease of usage, control options, current type, current source type etc. The devices range upwards of $100 with more expensive ones costing much more.You can also make a basic iontophoresis machine at home (see here for instructions).

Below are some pictures of popular iontophoresis machines:

Is Iontophoresis Effective?

It is not entirely understood how iontophoresis treats hyperhidrosis. As a result, you will get very polar comments and often unsubstantiated claims on internet (the manufacturers of the device claim that the treatment is “proven” to be effective for hyperhidrosis, while some others claim that it does not work).

However, as with most such things, the truth is somewhere in between. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that Iontophoresis is effective for hyperhidrosis (including yours truly), and a large number of patients have claimed to seen effective, long lasting results for their hyperhidrosis condition through this treatment plan. Over the course of last few years of my attempt to know more about hyperhidrosis and taking to a large number of patients through this website, I personally believe that this treatment option works for most of the people and at-least one research suggests that iontophoresis may be effective in 80% of the cases. In any case, iontophoresis has worked very well for me, and I will strongly recommend this to anybody who hasn't tried it yet.

Another consideration – no serious adverse effects have been ascribed to this treatment technique. So it may be worth trying if you have not already done that. There is very little to loose and a lot to gain.

How Iontophoresis is done?

At the most basic, this is how ionto treatment works:

  1. Mild electrical currents are produced using a battery or electric outlet.
  2. The current is passed down cables to the treatment electrodes which are placed into trays filled with tap water
  3. Hands and/or feet are then placed into the trays, completing the circuit and allowing current to flow into the skin
  4. The affected area is left immersed for about 10-15 minutes
  5. The frequency of treatment is more in the begining till the symptoms come under control. Once you have relief from sweaty palms/feet, the frequency can be lowerd to maintain the same (e.g. once every week)
  6. Treating other areas of the body employs the same process, except that electrodes are covered by absorbent sponges soaked in tap water and placed onto the treatment area

The treatment can be easily performed at home unaided.

Iontophoresis Side Effects

Iontophoresis is generally considered safe, and side effects are generally limited to mild “pins and needles” tingling and mild reddening of skin. In very few cases, painful stinging, itching, small vesicles and mild shocks can also occur. For most people, the initial few sessions are mildly discomforting, but not painful. A lot depends on the iontophoresis machine being used and the type of current – pulsed current is generally considered to be better with less irritation as compared to direct current. Also, application of a jelly based product on any exposed cut/rash on the skin of the area being treated can significantly reduce the discomfort.

Who should not do iontophoresis?

While this treatment technique has minimal side effect and is in general suitable for most people, you should always get a qualified physician's advise before starting this treatment. Specifically, the following categories of patients should not undergo iontophoresis:

  • Pregnant women
  • Patients with cardiac pacemaker
  • Patients with epilepsy
  • Patients with cancer
  • Patients with swollen, broken, or inflamed skin on the areas to be treated
  • Patients with metal implants in the path of the current (orthodontic braces are generally considered safe)

More resources

 More questions on Iontophoresis? Check out this FAQ page

Tips to achieve best results with iontophoresis

HHN Ionto Course

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About Author

I have had hyperhidrosis (palms and feet) since my childhood. I have tried/researched almost every treatment for hyperhidrosis over last decade, and in the process have acquired considerable experience that I hope will help others suffering with hyperhidrosis. I am happy to help you in whatever way I can to manage your excessive sweat problem - see the About page for more details and my contact information. Remember you are not alone, and that hyperhidrosis is entirely manageable with informed treatment. Good luck! PS: I recently published all that I have learnt about Hyperhidrosis in my book No Sweat! I encourage you to check that out as I believe its the best resource out there to understand and manage hyperhidrosis without falling for the miracle cures. Will love to hear your feedback on how to make it better.

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