Iontophoresis (iontophoresis)

For iontophoresis (iontophoresis), fairly simple devices designed for use with excessive palms sweat (palmar hyperhidrosis) and increased sweating of feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) are used. It is more difficult to use this method of treatment with excessive sweating of the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis). The method is usually used in cases when antiperspirants, including alumino-chloride ones, have not helped, and the patient needs more powerful treatment. With proper use and adaptation to a specific situation, iontophoresis helps very many, more often with sweating of the palms and feet and less often with sweating of the armpits. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, iontophoresis can help 83% (!!!) patients suffering from palmar and foot hyperhidrosis. When iontophoresis uses ordinary water to conduct an electric current through the surface of the skin. It is not completely understood how iontophoresis works, but it is assumed that the electric current and ions dissolved in water interact with the excretory ducts of the sweat glands and lead to their blockage due to the thickening of the surface layers of the skin, which makes it difficult to release sweat to the surface of the skin. At the time of the onset of a block of sweat glands, sweating can very quickly, suddenly rolling.

How to effectively use iontophoresis

During the iontophoresis procedure, the patient sits, immersing the rudoni or feet, and sometimes the palms of the testes into special baths filled with water. The procedure time is 20-40 minutes. At this time, the iontophoresis device generates weak currents passing through the water. The procedure is repeated every other day, or every day for 5-10 days (possibly longer for different models of apparatus), until the sweating is reduced to a level sufficient for comfort. Once the desired dryness is achieved, patients switch to a supportive regimen, varying from once a week to once a month, depending on the individual characteristics. To maintain dryness, iontophoresis should be resumed as soon as sweating begins to return.

In some areas, tap water may be too soft, i. E. Do not contain enough of the minerals necessary for iontophoresis, which ensure the passage of an electric current during the iontophoresis procedure. In this situation, it is required to add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to each tray, this will increase the effectiveness of iontophoresis.

If iontophoresis with ordinary water or with added soda does not provide the required dryness, prescription drugs (anticholinergic drugs) can be added to the solution. This combination can further improve the efficiency of the procedure.

The use of iontophoresis is not recommended during pregnancy, in the presence of pacemakers, with existing metal implants (artificial joints), with cardiac pathology, epilepsy. All ornaments should be removed during the procedure. If there is increased dryness, it makes sense to use moisturizers. Damage to the skin, cuts, injured nails - must be lubricated with petroleum jelly, or other protective cream, to prevent skin irritation. To soften the developed skin irritation, 1% cream with hydrocortisone can be used. Many patients are worried about the risk of electric shock during the procedure - it should be noted that the level of electric current during the procedure is minimal and can not cause harm. It can cause pain in the area of ​​treatment, and your doctor will teach you how to avoid or minimize such pain. The use of iontophoresis in the armpit is difficult, since on one hand the skin of the armpits is highly sensitive to iontophoresis, and since it is technically difficult to conduct adequate treatment in this area. There are devices for the use of iontophoresis in the armpit area in particular - the apparatus of the Dionik. A number of patients manage to achieve positive results when using it, although this is significantly less frequent than with excessive sweating of the palms and feet.

The success of using iontophoresis is achieved after some training in the method and it is very important to discuss the use of iontophoresis with your doctor.