IONTOPHORESIS.
Everything you need to know.
Iontophoresis treatment positively treats patients with palmar, plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, particularly in the hands, feet and armpits. Those people with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amounts far greater than needed to control their temperature and this can have a major impact on the quality of life. This can be embarrassing, lead to anxiety and stress and damage self confidence. Iontophoresis is an effective treatment to help stop excessive sweating.
HOW IS EXCESSIVE SWEATING TREATED?
IONTOPHORESIS
A simple 20-minute session twice a week is often all it takes to achieve a comfortable perspiration level.
During iontophoresis, a medical device delivers mild electrical currents while your affected body part, usually the hands, feet or armpits, is submerged in water. You’ll place the affected body part in a basin of water. Our healthcare provider will then turn on the machine and increase the current until you feel a slight tingling sensation on your skin. This shouldn’t cause any pain. Iontophoresis treatment works by interfering with the sweat glands just below the outer layer of the skin.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
There are several other treatments for excessive sweating which may be more appropriate for your condition. These include:
- Botox can be injected into the skin in small doses which blocks the nerves that supply the eccrine glands which will reduce the activity of the sweat glands to minimise sweating
- Aluminium chloride is often found in antiperspirants and can be used in higher doses but this often leads to short lasting results
- Medications can be taken if other treatments haven’t worked
Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate treatment option for you during your excessive sweating consultation.
WHY TREAT YOUR EXCESSIVE SWEATING AT STRATUM DERMATOLOGY CLINICS?
We understand that excessive sweating can be a cause for embarrassment and cause a lacking of self confidence. During your consultation at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, your areas of concerns will be assessed by a consultant dermatologist and all suitable treatment options will be discussed with you.
We work with leading experts in the field of dermatology to ensure you have the best experience and treatment. Stratum Dermatology Clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients on Doctify so you can assure safe and effective acne treatment with us. Both Stratum Dermatology Clinics and the consultants who work here are recognised by the main healthcare insurance providers.
HEAR FROM ONE OF OUR RECENT PATIENTS
I have had two procedures done over 2 months. The whole team from reception, pa’s, nurses and of course the doctors were excellent, very personable, friendly and efficient. I would definitely recommend this clinic based on my visits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Iontophoresis causes no known side effects and its efficiency does not decrease over time. Only slight skin irritation or sensations of discomfort can occur during treatment. The most common side effect is dryness of the skin. Blistering, peeling, and irritation might also occur on the skin.
However, these side effects can usually be treated by applying moisturiser to the skin after each session. Electric burns and shocks can be avoided by following routine precautions.
Iontophoresis is not suitable in the following situations:
- If you have metallic implants, such as cardiac pacemakers, or orthopaedic joint or bone implants, if they are within the electric circuit.
- Defects in the skin barrier, which cannot be protected by petroleum jelly or insulating tape, also represent a temporary contraindication.
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy
Iontophoresis treatment has been shown to dramatically reduce sweating. One study found that the treatment helped 91% of patients with excessive sweating in the hands and feet.
Iontophoresis treatment is not painful. You may feel a slight tingling during treatment but this shouldn’t be painful.
