During iontophoresis, a medical device uses mild electrical currents to deliver medication across biological membranes, often while your affected body part is submerged in water.
Iontophoresis is most commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis disorder, a condition that results in persistent and excessive sweating.
The currents are often delivered to the hands, feet, or armpits to block your sweat glands temporarily. Some feel a slight tingling sensation during the procedure, but the electrical current isn’t strong enough to shock you.
This sweating may occur in certain situations, such as during warm weather or physical activity, or without any trigger at all. It can also be caused by medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or menopause.
Aside from treating hyperhidrosis, iontophoresis may also be used to treat sports injuries by delivering anti-inflammatory medications directly into the skin.
Why is iontophoresis performed?
Everyone sweats, but some people sweat more than others. People who frequently experience excessive or constant sweating for no apparent reason may have a condition called hyperhidrosis disorder.
It is one type of treatment that can be used to relieve symptoms of this condition. People with hyperhidrosis may undergo several iontophoresis sessions per week, each lasting about 20 to 40 minutes.
Doctors aren’t exactly sure why this device helps people with hyperhidrosis. However, it’s believed that the procedure blocks sweat from coming out of the sweat glands, temporarily stopping sweating.
Though iontophoresis is most often used to treat severe sweating, it may also be used to treat a variety of sports injuries.
Adding anti-inflammatory medicines to the water during iontophoresis can ease heel pain and other soft-tissue injuries.
The electrical current helps the skin easily absorb the medications. This device can be especially effective in reducing swelling around the joints and relieving pain.
However, sprains or bursitis may respond well to this type of treatment.
How do I prepare for iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis doesn’t require any special or advanced preparation. However, make sure to tell your doctor if you:
- are pregnant
- have epilepsy
- have a heart condition
- have a pacemaker or other metal implants, such as artificial joint replacements
Read more: Sweat It Out: Iontophoresis: Overview, Usage, and Side Effects
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