Iontophoresis Health Article

Definition

Iontophoresis is the passage of an electrical current onto the skin. Iontophoresis has a variety of uses in medicine. This article discusses the use of iontophoresis to turn off a particular sweat gland.

Description

Depending on the area to be treated, you place your hands or feet 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.

How iontophoresis works isn't exactly known, but it's thought that the process somehow plugs the sweat glands and temporaily prevents you from sweating.

Indications

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

Risks

Side effects are rare but may include skin cracking and blisters.

References

Thomas I. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis: a therapeutic challenge. Am Fam Physician. Mar 1 2004; 69(5): 1117-20.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003.