If you are one of the many people that are suffering from excessive sweating in the hands or feet, then you might want to know more about iontophoresis. 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.
Basically, iontophoresis is method whereby water acts as a conductor for low-level electrical charges that are passed into 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. Once the skin is thicker, the sweat cannot flow to the surface properly. Additionally, once the sweat production is interrupted, it is possible to see immediate cessation of sweating.
The electricity is applied when the patient has hands, feet, or both immersed in shallow trays filled with water. 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. You will have to continue taking periodic treatments in order to maintain dryness in hands and feet.
Often, the type of water used can affect the results of iontophoresis. 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. The attending physician may add baking soda or opt for using prescription strength medicines like anticholinergics.
There are certain people who should not use iontophoresis as an excessive sweating treatment. For example, pregnant women, people who have cardiac conditions, epilepsy, metallic implants such as hip or joint replacements, and those who have pacemakers. Also, metal jewelry should be removed before undergoing iontophoresis.
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.
