Iontophoresis:
Iontophoresis is a technique of stopping sweating that has proven to be
quite popular elsewhere in the world - but it has not become a very
popular treatment in the UK.
In principle, the iontophoresis machine passes a very small electric
current into the skin of the hands and / or feet. This seems to reduce or
stop the eccrine sweat glands from producing sweat temporarily.
Many iontophoresis machines
work by using tap water. It is important to use tap water as this has ions
(charged particles) in the water that cause the iontophoresis effect. Pure
distilled water does not work.
The water is sometimes put
into trays and the hands and feet put into the trays. Other machines have
sponges that absorb the tap water and then hold it next to the skin to be
treated.
Treatments usually take 20 minutes per time
and usually 6 are required in the first 3 weeks. Iontophoresis usually
needs to be repeated every 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the
individual.
Advantages of
Iontophoresis:
Generally, iontophoresis
machines are not very expensive and they use tap water. They are very
safe.
In patients that they work
for, they can give good relief. If they don't work, addition of
glycopyrolate to the tap water can improve results.
There aren't any disposables
(except occasionally batteries in some machines) and so treatments are
quite inexpensive.
Problems with Iontophoresis:
The problems that crop up
with iontophoresis tend to be split into:
Iontophoresis - A temporary treatment
Now that so many treatments
are available that are either long-lasting or permanent, many patients are
not keen on a therapy that needs to be repeated regularly.
Iontophoresis - Variable results
Iontophoresis can produce
variable results - not only depending on different patients but, as tap
water varies around the country and around the world, there are likely to
be different results depending on the different areas that is could e used
on.
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