What is iontophoresis? 

If you're curious about what iontophoresis is and how it could bring relief to your health concerns, you're in the right place. Iontophoresis is commonly used to reduce sweating, especially in the hands and feet. In addition, it is used in physical therapy to reduce inflammation, treat scar tissue and relieve pain.

This article will specifically explore the fundamental principles of iontophoresis, emphasizing its applications in effectively managing hyperhidrosis. We'll delve into real-world effectiveness, safety considerations, and provide guidance on initiating your iontophoresis journey tailored to hyperhidrosis concerns.

Iontophoresis is a simple device that delivers a mild electrical current to treat hyperhidrosis while your affected body part is submerged in water. This treatment is suitable for treating hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet, underarms and face.

Each treatment lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Iontophoresis commonly uses tap water; however, tap water in some locations may not contain enough minerals or electrolytes to be effective.

The main advantages of iontophoresis machine are: 

• The noticeable reduction of the excessive sweating and dryness that can last up to 4 weeks
• It is a non-invasive, needle-free, drug-free method
• The treatment itself is painless but patients experience a mild tingling sensation on the skin during the treatment. 
• The effciency of iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis is about 90% of people treated.

This non-invasive quality makes iontophoresis an attractive option for those seeking targeted relief without the potential drawbacks of surgical procedures.

Treatment success has been proven in medical studies although there is no complete scientific explanation for the mechanism of action. One hypothesis suggests that the iontophoresis treatment temporarily blocks the electrical signals sent by the nerves to the glands. This reliable and effective method offers relief to people dealing with hyperhidrosis by blocking the ducts of the sweat glands or moderating the signals from the nerve cells to the sweat glands. It’s believed that there is a genetic element as well, as there is often a family history in people who have excessive sweating of the hands.  

Unlike other treatment options, iontophoresis offers a long-term solution, with most patients experiencing a significant reduction in sweating after just a few sessions.

After the initial treatment regime the majority of patients will experience a period free from sweating in the areas treated anywhere from a few days to one month.If successful, you should notice an improvement after the second week of treatment. The initial phase is when you are beginning your treatments and is done until the desired level of dryness is achieved. The duration of this phase depends on the severity of your hyperhidrosis. 

After the initial weeks of treatment, regular maintenance treatments will be required. This should be on the first signs of recurrence of your condition. The hospital can only offer the initial intensive treatment and following this you will need to purchase your own machine for maintenance doses. The frequency of doses required to manage your condition varies with each person but can be done as many times as necessary. Some need to be treated once every three weeks, while others need to do it more frequently, for example 3 times a week.

The biggest advantage of this treatment option is that it can be used at home and compared to other treatments, iontophoresis is on the safer side. Iontophoresis isn’t painful, but you might feel a slight tingling sensation on your skin during treatment.

If you belong to the minority of patients who do not experience relief with tap water iontophoresis, considering the addition of medication to the water may be an option for a more successful treatment. However, it's crucial to consult with your doctor before attempting this approach.

Excessive dryness or mild skin irritation are the most common complaints. There are no long-term side effects. While iontophoresis is generally considered safe, individual health conditions vary. It's imperative to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on your iontophoresis journey. The method being somewhat time consuming is also considered a downside to this treatment. But most people think that it is worth it!

In conclusion, iontophoresis is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with excessive sweating. With its wide range of uses and proven benefits, iontophoresis offers a non-invasive solution for those seeking relief from this bothersome condition. By working closely with medical professionals and following recommended treatment protocols, patients can experience successful iontophoresis and enjoy improved quality of life.

Ready to experience the benefits of iontophoresis? Take the next step by exploring our iontophoresis device.