Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that makes a person sweat excessively and unnecessarily, without the reasons being heat or temperature. This disorder is more related to psychological factors rather than physiological. Some experts suggest that anxiety, panic attacks, eating and sleeping disorders, and the disturbance of the endocrine system can be the major contributor in not just creating the issue, but also in aggravating the symptoms. This disorder, however, can be treated with iontophoresis therapy. For this process, a thorough iontophoresis machine guide is given to the readers.

What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis therapy is a method of treating medical conditions like hyperhidrosis. This treatment is done through a process of delivering iontophoresis drugs into the patient’s system, in the initial stage. This drug delivery is done via an iontophoresis machine.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can be embarrassing for the patients suffering from it as it triggers uncontrolled sweating all the time. People around such a person may be quite critical of his/her situation, especially in summers when the patients themselves become highly conscious of their dilemma.

Although this condition has been tried to be treated with other methods like tropical therapeutics, surgery, and drugs, however, they remain quite inefficient in results as compared to iontophoresis.

In this article, the iontophoresis machine guide will help you get to know about the treatment of hyperhidrosis in a better way.

How Does Iontophoresis Work?

In simple understanding, the passage of low and controlled electric ions in the nervous system activates the endocrine system and all the glands. It is believed that the ion influx in the body helps in regulating glands' secretions and the blood flow in the body. Due to this, the glands’ function becomes regulated, especially the sweating glands that normalize the process of secreting sweat.

Also, the iontophoresis decreases the innervation density of the skin which means that the sweating from the skin becomes controlled due to the less supply of energy to the skin. In hyperhidrosis condition, the patient’s intradermal sensory organs remain in a state of excitement and stimulation. This, hence, becomes the main reason to generate excessive sweat in the body in a continuous way. The main parts of the body that release constant sweat are palms of hands, soles of the feet, armpits, groin area, face, and chest.

What’s the Process of Iontophoresis?

The process of iontophoresis is quite simple yet tricky which requires a calculated release of electric ions in the body. Only professional experts must be given the authority to monitor this process.

The process is conducted by the iontophoretic device that has 3 components; the power source, the anode (-), and the cathode (+). These release low-level controlled electric ions into the body for 10 to 30 minutes. This session can be repeated 3 to 5 times a week, depending upon the need and severity of the condition.

The tools used in the iontophoresis machine include a water tub in which charged electrons and protons from the ions are released. The patient submerges their hands and feet in that water and lets the machine do the process.

The electric current is low-amplified with a voltage between 8 to 16 volts. The current can direct, alternate, or pulse, and their voltage ranges differ according to the need. While buying the treatment device, however, one must consider the manual or the iontophoresis machine guide before using it.

Is Iontophoresis Effective?

Iontophoresis has proved to be the most effective method of treating hyperhidrosis as compared to other methods such as surgeries, drug intake like Botox, and tropical therapeutics like aluminium chloride in ethanol. According to the experts, 93% of the patients show clinical improvements after regular sessions of iontophoresis therapy. The results show that the reduction in sweat secretion is about 92% in the treated patients. This is a huge success as compared to the other above-mentioned methods of treatments, as they show merely 58% effectiveness.

Also, in terms of lasting effects, iontophoresis therapy maintains positive results for a long time. 71% of the patients, hence, maintain recovery for up to 4 weeks after treatment. The other methods, however, show recurrence of the condition.

What to Keep in Mind during the Iontophoresis Process?

Iontophoresis therapy is a process that is not without side effects. Sometimes, the patient may experience irritation of skin and rashes. They may also feel uncomfortable during the process owing to the ion release into the body. These ions affect the body temperature and blood flow in the nerves which may cause temporary changes in skin and sensations of irritability and constant tingling throughout the body. Especially, the skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or allergies must be dealt with properly before indulging in this therapy as it may aggravate these conditions.

Also, due to the exposure to electric current, any metallic accessories or devices should be kept away from the iontophoresis machine. Especially, patients who have a pacemaker inside their bodies, or those with metallic knee replacements, must avoid this process as it might become too risky for them.

Similarly, if the patient has open wounds, cuts, or bruises in the body, the iontophoresis process must be avoided. This is because the ion charges may aggravate pain and blood discharge from open wounds due to increased pressure on the nerves.

Apart from this, pregnant women must also avoid this process as it exposes the body to electric currents that can be harmful to the fetus.

Summing up, iontophoresis is a process that is considered as most trustworthy as a therapy against hyperhidrosis. This process has shown better results than the traditional methods of using drugs or surgeries. Also, this method is easy to control, effective, and cost-friendly. Therefore, it is recommended by experts for long-lasting results.