How Does Iontophoresis Help with Excessive Sweating

Sweating is a natural process that our body uses to regulate its temperature. But, excessive sweating can be problematic.
If you suffer from excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, you're not alone. In fact, almost 5% of the world’s population suffers from the condition.
Excessive sweating is more than just a nuisance. It impedes daily activities and can make socializing much harder. It can even cause higher levels of stress and anxiety!
Are you tired of dealing with sweaty armpits, palms, or feet? Frustrated with failed treatments that provide no relief?
The good news is that there is a treatment option that may be the answer you've been looking for!
Keep reading to learn about iontophoresis and how it can help you.

What is Iontophoresis?

The use of iontophoresis as a treatment for excessive sweating has been around since the 1940s. In its early days, the treatment was used to treat the hands and feet.
If you have tried clinical and prescription antiperspirants to no avail, this treatment option may be ideal for you. In fact, studies have found that the treatment helped more than 90% of patients with palm and foot sweating.
Other areas that can be treated include:

Armpits

Scalp

Facial areas

With this said, the treatment is considered to be reliable as well as safe.

How it Works

The process uses mineral water to create a mild electrical current. The current is then passed to the sweat glands. The charged particles disrupt the functions of the glands to stop the production of excessive sweat.
Treatment regimens will vary depending on the treatment area as well as your specific condition.
During treatment, you will sit with your both your hands or feet immersed in water. For the process to work, the water cannot be too soft. To harden water, baking soda can be added to have more conductive water.
For about 40 minutes (20 minutes per polarity), an iontophoresis machine will send a small electrical current in the water. To treat other areas of the body, pads are often used to deliver the electrical current.
At first, it’s recommended to have daily treatments until you feel that your hands or feet are dry. Afterwards, you will only need maintenance treatment you start feeling that your hands and feet are moist.
On average, people who have hyperhidrosis will need one maintenance treatment per week, but for many people, they will need one maintenance treatment every two or even three week.
To boost results, your doctor may combine treatment without over-the-counter prescriptions. He/she may also suggest adding onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) to the water. In this case, it’s very important to use the dosage recommended by your doctor.

Side Effects

Does the use of an electric current scare you? If so, don't worry!
Iontophoresis has been safely used for decades. There typically aren't many harmful side effects that have been documented. But, it's worth noting that some patients may experience:

Feeling of pins and needles if the skin is very sensitive

Skin dryness and irritation

Redness along the water line

Discomfort if there are any open cuts

Post Treatment

After each session, some people like applying moisturizer to the area that was submerged in water if they feel like their skin is too dry.

Is This Treatment Right for Me?

For most patients, iontophoresis is safe. However, there are some at-risk groups. If you are pregnant, you will want to avoid this treatment method.
Other at-risk groups include those with a history of seizures, patients with metal implants, and people with a pacemaker or other heart conditions.
You will want to delay treatment if you have open wounds or sores that cannot be covered with petroleum jelly.
Seek medical advice before undergoing iontophoresis if you suffer from:

Sensitivity in the hands or feet (polyneuropathy)

Large skin defects

Thrombosis

Tumor disease

Next Treatment Steps

There are many solution to treat excessive sweating. If clinical strength deodorants and over-the-counter medications have had little to no impact, now is the time to take the next step.
Hyperhidrosis is a serious condition that impacts every aspect of life. Don't settle for discomfort, try an iontophoresis machine!

An Excessive Sweating Treatment That Works

Don't let excessive sweating ruin your life any longer! We know how frustrating and embarrassing the condition can be.
Tired of sweaty palms ruining important paperwork? Does excessive sweat discolour or stain your shirts?
If you've tried other treatments without a solution, now is the time to consider iontophoresis.