Iontophoresis

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the term for excessive sweating. Sweating is a normal process necessary to cool the body. Sweating increases in response to environmental heat or exercise and sometimes with anxiety and stress. The rate at which we sweat is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. The most common sites for hyperhidrosis are the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the armpits.

What is iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is a treatment for the hands and/or feet whereby a weak electric current is passed through water. It is thought that this temporarily stops the electrical signals sent by the nervous system to the sweat glands. If responsive to iontophoresis, the excessive sweating can be significantly reduced in the short term however regular maintenance would be required. An Iontophoresis machine can be purchased by the patient to carry out this maintenance therapy at home.

Iontophoresis is not painful or uncomfortable. It is described as many as a ‘tingle’ sensation.

Precautions

Iontophoresis cannot be undertaken by those who:

have a cardiac pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator
have any metal orthopaedic implants, for example, metal hip replacements
have a uterine implant (an IUD/IUS – a contraceptive ‘coil’)
if you are or may be pregnant
have a tumour
suffer from polyneuropathy which is damage or disease affecting peripheral nerves
are currently suffering from any type of thrombosis (blood clots)
are under five years of age

Picture of trays of shallow water. These trays are attached to the machine by electrical cables.

What does iontophoresis entail?

Step 1

Place your hands and/or feet into the trays of shallow water. These trays are attached to the machine by electrical cables.

Picture of hands in the trays of shallow water. These trays are attached to the machine by electrical cables.

Step 2

Once you are comfortable the nurse will slowly introduce the electric current until you feel the tingle sensation. This should be comfortable for you and not make you want to take your hands away.

Picture of feet in trays of shallow water. These trays are attached to the machine by electrical cables.

Step 3

Leave your hands and/or feet in the trays for 15 minutes. This will be timed by your nurse and then the power will be reduced slowly and then the treatment is finished.

Please note it is only possible to receive an electric shock if the hands or feet are suddenly removed from the water during treatment and then only a mild shock occurs.