Health and Fitness Tips

If you are dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of excessive sweating of hands (palmar) or feet (plantar), known also as hyperhidrosis, then you may be interested in an excessive sweating treatment known as iontophoresis. As a treatment, iontophoresis has been getting more attention as an excessive sweating treatment since fewer people want to endure the embarrassment associated with the disorder. This is especially true when more established treatments like prescription strength antiperspirants do not produce the desired level of relief.

The process of iontophoresis works by using water to conduct a low electric current through the surface of the skin. It remains largely a mystery why iontophoresis functions as an excessive sweating treatment, but physicians suggest that the trace minerals found in the water and the electrical charge act together to cause a microscopic thickening of the outer skin tissue. By thickening the skin, the flow of sweat to the surface is impeded. Once the outpour of sweat is interrupted, sweat production to the palms and feet may stop completely.

The electricity is applied when the patient has hands, feet, or both immersed in shallow trays filled with water. They must spend at least 20 to 40 minutes soaking in the trays while an attached device sends electric current through the water. Iontophoresis treatments are repeated until the sweating is lowered to comfortable levels. You will have to continue taking periodic treatments in order to maintain dryness in hands and feet.

You should be aware that water content can have measurable effect on the quality of iontophoresis treatment you receive. Soft water, water without minerals or electrolytes, even the geographical location of the water can present problems. Doctors may add elements to the water to make iontophoresis treatments work better. Such materials may include baking soda or prescription drugs like anticholinergics.

There are certain people who should not use iontophoresis as an excessive sweating treatment. For example, pregnant women, people who have cardiac conditions, epilepsy, metallic implants such as hip or joint replacements, and those who have pacemakers. Also, metal jewelry should be removed before undergoing iontophoresis.

People considering the use of iontophoresis as a hyperhidrosis treatment often have concerns about the chance of shock as well as skin irritations associated with the procedure. Most of the concern is unwarranted. With excessive dryness or irritation of the skin, most of the time a basic moisturizer will do the trick. The doctor in charge of the procedure may even offer Vaseline as a way to protect highly sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Electric shock is unrealistic considering that the level of current is very low.

Since control of the hyperhidrosis is the ultimate goal, you need to know whether iontophoresis will provide the best treatment option; the best way to do this is by talking to a skin expert. It will be a load off your mind if you can know for sure whether iontophoresis will provide the best excessive sweating treatment.

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