Iontophoresis: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

There are alternate names for Iontophoresis as this is a treatment method, used to treat excess sweating.

Iontophoresis is a treatment procedure that is used to treat hyperhidrosis disorder, that is excess sweating in the person. In this process, transdermal drug is delivered by the use of a voltage gradient on the skin which is submerged under water. It involves the transfer of ions by electrical potential into soft tissues which then reduce sweat production in those tissues. Apart from this, iontophoresis may also be used to treat sports injuries by delivering anti-inflammatory medications directly into the skin of the injured.

Sweating is a part of body’s metabolism. But there are some people who frequently experience excessive or constant sweating for no apparent reason. They may have a condition called hyperhidrosis disorder. One type of treatment that can be used to relieve symptoms of this condition is called Iontophoresis. This procedure blocks sweat from coming out of the sweat glands, thus temporarily stopping excessive sweating.

Instructions for the use of iontophoresis devices will vary. Usually, the affected and injured part of the body is immersed in water while doing this treatment. The device sends a small electrical current through the water into the tissues of the person. Iontophoresis sessions for hyperhidrosis treatment last for 25 to 45 minutes in each session. A teaspoon of baking soda may be added to the water before the treatment begins. Iontophoresis can also help to provide relief from the pain caused from sports injuries. An anti-inflammatory medication is added to the water tub and then small electrical currents are passed. Through these currents, the medicines reach the injured area. Most iontophoresis sessions for sports injuries last for 10 to 15 minutes in each session until the injury begins to show signs of healing.

People with hyperhidrosis disorder, a disorder that causes profuse and constant sweating, should undergo this treatment method to stop the sweating process. Some people sweat more than most others without any cause. Iontophoresis is an effective way to treat such patients. Also, people with sports injury are eligible for this treatment.

People with normal sweating do not need to consult doctors for any treatment.

Iontophoresis is in general, a safe and painless procedure. However, some people may experience a few side effects as a result of iontophoresis, but the adverse effects usually are not serious and go away in its own. The most common side effect noted in people is dryness of the skin. People may also find blistering, peeling, and irritation occurring on the skin. However, these side effects can usually be treated by applying moisturizer to the skin after each session. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also make the person more comfortable.

There are no such post treatment guidelines. People should continue their sessions, at least once a week till their problems are completely cured.

Recovery from this treatment does not take a long time. Most people show positive outcomes within the fourth week of ongoing treatment session. For sweating, people take four weeks since the first session to show betterment. They recover completely by the fifth and sixth week. In case of sports injury, people hardly take three weeks to recover.

Iontophoresis is a costly treatment. Each session costs around Rs 600/- to Rs 1500/-. Otherwise, the cost of an Iontophoresis machine is around Rs 30000/-. People who need a continuous treatment for at least five to six months can buy this machine and undergo the treatment at home.

Treatment is usually permanent in curing the hyperhidrosis disorder and sport related injuries. People need to undergo continuous sessions for at least two to three weeks before they show some signs of improvement. Each session takes around 40 to 60 minutes. After some betterment is noted, people should undergo the treatment session for once a week. This way the session continues until the excessive sweating is gone permanently. Injury treatment takes around 20 to 30 minutes each session for at least two weeks until the injury starts to heal permanently.