Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a universally accepted method to treat mild to severe hyperhidrosis, approved by credible organizations like FDA, international hyperhidrosis society, and American Academy of Dermatology. The mechanism of action of this technique is probably through desensitization of nerve terminals of sweat glands without physiologic damage, via passing a mild current.
In comparison with Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection or surgery, iontophoresis is the only non-invasive yet fully effective method for treating excessive sweating. Also, it is uniquely a home-use therapy enabling the patient to perform the treatments individually at home, or share a device between many users.
As a result, Iontophoresis has been announced by many specialists as the best option for treating excessive sweating.
Therapeutic value of iontophoresis
The most reliable information about efficacy and safety of a therapeutic option are obtained when it is used for a long period of time, and by a large population. This way, a vast amount of data is analyzed ant processed by regulatory agencies and scientific communities, and subsequently published to the public. Decades of successful application of iontophoresis throughout the world has left a stellar track record of high efficacy and safety. As a result, global regulatory and scientific bodies have recommended iontophoresis as the primary treatment of hyperhidorsis. Below you can review some of the highlights:
American Academy of Dermatology
a ” Iontophoresis is a cost-effective, safe therapy approved by the US FDA …and is considered the primary treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis … special axillary electrodes (foam pads soaked in water) have been developed…at-home iontophoresis treatment devices may yield improved compliance. “ a
Reference: S. Nawrocki, J. Cha; The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review; Journal of American academy of dermatology; 2019; Page 672
American Academy of Dermatology
a ” Iontophoresis is a cost-effective, safe therapy approved by the US FDA …and is considered the primary treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis … special axillary electrodes (foam pads soaked in water) have been developed…at-home iontophoresis treatment devices may yield improved compliance. “ a
Reference: S. Nawrocki, J. Cha; The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review; Journal of American academy of dermatology; 2019; Page 672
European Journal of Dermatology
a “ The method of choice in treating palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is tap water iontophoresis “ a
Reference: B.TOGEL, B.GREVE,C.RAULIN; Current therapeutic strategies for hyperhidrosis: a review; European Journal of Dermatology; 2002; pages 219-223
European Journal of Dermatology
a “ The method of choice in treating palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is tap water iontophoresis “ a
Reference: B.TOGEL, B.GREVE,C.RAULIN; Current therapeutic strategies for hyperhidrosis: a review; European Journal of Dermatology; 2002; pages 219-223
International Hyperhidrosis Society
a “ Iontophoresis should not be overlooked as a primary treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. “ a
Reference: D.M.Pariser, A.Ballard; Iontophoresis for Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis; Dermatol Clin; 2014; page 494
International Hyperhidrosis Society
a “ Iontophoresis should not be overlooked as a primary treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. “ a
Reference: D.M.Pariser, A.Ballard; Iontophoresis for Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis; Dermatol Clin; 2014; page 494
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
a “ Despite all the enthusiasm for botulinum toxin, tap water iontophoresis should be considered before BTX or surgical alternatives.“ a
Reference: O.P.Kreyden, Iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; 2004; Page 214
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
a “ Despite all the enthusiasm for botulinum toxin, tap water iontophoresis should be considered before BTX or surgical alternatives.“ a
Reference: O.P.Kreyden, Iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; 2004; Page 214
surgery
a “ Iontophoresis is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, first-line, safe and effective treatment for both moderate and severe plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis.“ a
Reference: F.C.T.Smith; Hyperhidrosis; VASCULAR SURGERY; 2013; page 253
surgery
a “ Iontophoresis is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, first-line, safe and effective treatment for both moderate and severe plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis.“ a
Reference: F.C.T.Smith; Hyperhidrosis; VASCULAR SURGERY; 2013; page 253
Current Problems in Dermatology
a “ Tap water iontophoresis is the first-line of treatment in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Without using invasive procedures, it is safe, well tolerated, and has been shown to be very efficient. It is widely used in practical dermatology…The efficacy is undoubted.“ a
Reference: O.P.Kreyden, R.Böni, G.Burg; Hyperhidrosis and Botulinum Toxin in Dermatology; current problems in dermatology; 2002
Current Problems in Dermatology
a “ Tap water iontophoresis is the first-line of treatment in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Without using invasive procedures, it is safe, well tolerated, and has been shown to be very efficient. It is widely used in practical dermatology…The efficacy is undoubted.“ a
Reference: O.P.Kreyden, R.Böni, G.Burg; Hyperhidrosis and Botulinum Toxin in Dermatology; current problems in dermatology; 2002
Contraindications
Like any other medical procedures, one must know about its contraindications first. If one or more of these conditions apply to you, you should not use iontophoresis. It should be noted that many of these contraindications are due to lack of scientific data, not a demonstrated danger.
.
– Pregnancy
– Breast-feeding
– Children under 5 years of age
– Heart disease
– Having a cardiac pacemaker
– Having electronic or metallic implant inside body
– Seizure or epilepsy
– Impaired sensibility in the areas to be treated
– Severe vascular disorder
– Local thrombosis in the areas to be treated
– Malignant disorders in the areas to be treated
– Large skin damages or inflammation in the areas to be treated.
Adverse effects
If a safe and medically approved device is used, iontophoresis is the only fully effective, yet free of adverse effects method for treatment of excessive sweating. Only mild and transient tingling or redness has been observed in some patients after some sessions, which quickly disappears after a session and can also be controlled with a mild anti-inflammatory product after a session.
Tolerance to treatment
Tolerance (decreased responsiveness to treatment after repeated therapies) does not
occur with iontophoresis After initial success, you can be sure continuation of therapy will be successful as well.