Iontophoresis: The Procedure That Treats Excessive Sweating

Iontophoresis is a safe and effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of hands and feet). It has been used by doctors since the 1940s. Over the decades, this method has improved greatly. Iontophoresis has become much more effective and can be used to treat other body areas as well.

How Does Iontophoresis Work?

Iontophoresis involves administering medication to the body through the skin using weak electric currents.

To do this, you will be asked to submerge the affected area in water or cover it with a wet sponge or cloth. The doctor uses two electrodes; one for positive current, and the other for negative current. Depending on your condition, your physician will decide what medication will be administered through iontophoresis.

If the medication is positively charged, the electrode with a positive current is used to "push" the medication into the body. If it is negatively charged, the negative current is then used.

Advantages of Iontophoresis

  • Painless. Although some patients may feel a slightly uncomfortable tingling sensation, iontophoresis is a generally painless procedure.
  • Long-lasting. Study shows that medication administered through iontophoresis gets absorbed faster and stays in your body longer than when applied by any other method.
  • Rapid effects. Undergoing the treatment for 20-30 minutes several times a week has shown significant improvements in patients.
  • Non-invasive. It doesn’t require taking oral medication or undergoing a surgical procedure. It also has no lasting side effects.

When Not to Use

Iontophoresis is generally safe when performed by a healthcare professional. Most states would require a doctor's prescription before getting an iontophoresis treatment. But if any of the following applies to you, it's better to avoid iontophoresis altogether:

  • If you have a pacemaker or any metallic implants
  • If you suffer from epilepsy and other seizure disorders
  • If you have heart problems
  • If you’re pregnant
  • If the skin of the affected area is irritated or infected
  • If you have impaired sensations in the affected area

Sweaty palms no more!

Get a safe and effective iontophoresis treatment at The Right Spinal Clinic. Our physicians will work with you to make sure that this therapy is right for your condition. Schedule an appointment now by calling us at (813) 392 2164.