Iontophoresis to treat Sweating

What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is an old technique that uses electrical stimulation to decrease sweating. It is used mainly to treat sweating of the palms and/or soles and rarely the armpit. Treatment involves putting the affected areas (usually hands and/or feet) into a small container filled with water. A small electrical current is then passed through the water through special electrodes from a nearby machine. There is no device whereby the whole body can be immersed into the water solution.

Iontophoresis is not painful or dangerous, but may cause a sensation of 'pins and needles' feeling. Most people tolerate the process. However, some individuals may not like the "tingling" feeling.

How iontophoresis works is unknown but does help block the glands from secreting sweat.

Iontophoresis treatment is done 3-4 times per week and each session lasts about 30 minutes. For some unknown reason, the technique does not work in all individuals who sweat. Some individuals do see an improvement after 6-10 treatment sessions. If one does not see an improvement after 8 weeks, it is unlikely to work at all.

A break of 2-4 weeks is allowed in between the sessions. Some recommend a maintenance treatment on a weekly basis. If ordinary tap water does not produce any results, a drug called glycopromium bromide is sometimes added to the water. This may improve the rate of success.

Why iontophoresis does not work in all individuals is a mystery. when it works, the results are a mild reduction in sweating. To maintain the benefit, iontophoresis needs to be done on a weekly basis for a long time

Today Iontophoresis is used in spas, clinics, hospitals and portable devices also available for home use. Iontophoresis is not recommended if one is pregnant or has a pacemaker, metal clips or pins in the body.

For the individual who has a sweat problem, iontophoresis is just one treatment method and it usually does not work. Before you invest your hard earned money into a device with vague claims, go read the testimonials on cyberspace. The bottom line is it is JUNK SCIENCE.. Today, there are much better treatments for sweating.

Another use of iontophoresis is in the delivery of drugs through the skin, where it works superbly.

To know more about iontophoresis for drug delivery, visit www.medexsupply.com