Health and Fitness Tips

For the many of the millions dealing with specific types of excessive sweating such as palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis, finding a treatment option like iontophoresis can be a relief. The use of iontophoresis has increased as more people suffering from hyperhidrosis are searching for new excessive sweating treatment options. It makes sense when the number of people who fail to get relief from standard treatments like prescription strength antiperspirants.

Iiontophoroesis uses water to conduct small electrical charges into the patient’s skin. Even doctors are not entirely sure why this process works as an excessive sweating treatment, but there have been connections made to the minerals present in the water combining with the charge microscopically thickens the skin’s outer layer. Once the skin is thicker, the sweat cannot flow to the surface properly. Once the outpour of sweat is interrupted, sweat production to the palms and feet may stop completely.

During the process of iontophoresis, electricity is applied to the patient’s hands, feet, or both, when they are immersed in shallow trays. 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. Afterwards, the patient must continue treatments periodically to maintain the level of dryness desired.

You should be aware that water content can have measurable effect on the quality of iontophoresis treatment you receive. Factors like geography, mineral make-up, levels of electrolytes, or whether soft water is being used can influence the quality of this excessive sweating treatment. 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. This includes women who are pregnant, those with pacemakers, cardiac conditions, sizeable metallic implants like join replacements, and those who have epilepsy. You should remember to remove metal jewelry before using this excessive sweating treatment.

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.

If you want to get the most out of iontophoresis, then you need to contact a dermatological specialist to learn more about its potential benefits and how to use the system properly. You should find out if iontophoresis is the best excessive sweating treatment for your situation.

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