Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a proven, non-invasive and drug free treatment for excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). It is an extremely successful therapy that should be considered if high quality maximum strength antiperspirants are unable to control sweat levels. Iontophoresis should be attempted before considering surgery or injections.

Iontophoresis may be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the hands, underarms, and feet. Iontophoresis has been effectively used to treat such sweating since the early 1950s.

The procedure sends a mild electrical current through the surface of an individual’s skin. The current is conducted to skin through water, but is not strong enough to give you an electric shock.

The area to be treated is placed into water. A gentle current of electricity passes through the water. A technician carefully and gradually increases the electrical current until you feel a light tingling sensation.

The therapy lasts about 10-20 minutes and requires several sessions. A series of treatments are made daily for the first 3-5 days after which treatment times are expanded to weekly, fortnightly and then monthly sessions.

Side effects are rare but may include skin irritation, dryness and blistering.

This technique appears to temporarily stop the sweat glands from working, though researchers aren’t sure why. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that it helps 80 percent of people who are treated for excessive sweating. Sweating under the arms is usually not treated with this method, as underarm skin is too delicate and iontophoresis could cause painful skin irritation

Iontophoresis is most often used to treat severe sweating, but it may also treat a variety of sports injuries. This recommendation is supported in research published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding (JAPMA).
Studies show that adding anti-inflammatory medicines to the iontophoresis water can reduce heel pain and other soft tissue injuries. The electrical current helps the skin easily absorb the medications. The medication reduces swelling around the