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Iontophoresis for Hyperhidrosis
What is iontophoresis?
What is
hyperhidrosis?
What
are the treatment options for hyperhidrosis?
Is
iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis safe?
What are the
side effects of iontophoresis?
What
are the contraindications of iontophoresis?
How
many iontophoresis treatments are required to treat hyperhidrosis?
Does
iontophoresis hurt?
How
successful is iontophoresis?
What does
iontophoresis for hyperhydrosis cost?
Is
iontophoresis covered by my insurance plan? |
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What
is iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is the application of direct current. It can be
used
to introduce substances through the skin, but in the treatment of
hyperhidrosis, the current alone is what is effective. This current is
applied through the submersion in water. The result with several
treatments is a reduction in excessive sweating. This is thought to be
caused by a plugging of the sweat pores.
What
is hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition whereby the body produces swear beyond
what is necessary to maintain a normal body temperature. When this
condition affects the hands or feet it is called palmer or plantar
hyperhidrosis. People affected by this problem suffer social
embarrassment and may be limited in some occupations where damp hands
may soil or damage products. (ie. paper, metal, electrical components)
Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3% of the population.
What
are the treatment options for hyperhidrosis?
There are several ways to treat hyperhidrosis. Many of these treatments
are covered by medical plans. In order to find the best treatment for
you, speak to your dermatologist. Possible treatment options are as
follows:
- Topical
treatments: the application of
aluminum
chloride hexahydrate has been shown in clinical studies to reduce
swearing by approximately 50% for mild hyperhidrosis sufferers.
- Iontophoresis:
iontophoresis is appropriate for
people who
suffer from hyperhidrosis affecting the hands or feet. This application
is not recommended for underarm or head/facial hyperhidrosis.
- Botulinum
toxin type A: Botox injections
are
appropriate for moderate to severe hyperhidrosis sufferers.Injection is
done into the affected area and is effective for as long as the nerve
to the sweat glad is deadened. Percentage reduction in sweating using
this method was reported to be 83% in 95% of people studied. The
average duration of effect is 7 months until symptoms recur.
- Surgery:
this is a last resort for people whose
lifestyles
are seriously affected by hyperhidrosis and for whom other more
conservative methods have failed.
Is
iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis safe?
Iontophoresis as a method of introducing substances through the skin
has been performed since the 1930's. In 1952 is was found that a
therapeutic effect could be achieved without introducing substances
through the skin. The electric current alone was effective in reducing
sweating in 85% of people with hyperhidrosis. See contraindications
below.
What
are the side effects of iontophoresis?
Side effects of iontophoresis are few:
- Palms or feet may
occasionally become too dry resulting in cracks or fissures. This can
be relieved with the use of moisturizers.
- Redness of the skin is not uncommon, but occasionally
hives may form. This can be treated with a hydrocortisone cream.
What
are the contraindications of iontophoresis?
To ensure you are a suitable candidate for iontophoresis for
hyperhidrosis you must not:
- be pregnant
- have a cardiac pacemaker
- have cancer
- have swollen, broken, or inflamed skin on the areas
to be treated
- have metal implants in the area to be treated
How
many treatments are required to treat hyperhidrosis?
Sessions last 20 minutes for hands, 40 minutes for hands and feet.
Research has shown that optimum results are obtained with 5
to 10 treatments administered every 2 to 3 days initially. After that,
frequency is dependent on how symptoms recur. Sometimes one treatment
every two weeks is enough to keep symptoms at bay.
Does
iontophoresis hurt?
The current can feel uncomfortable or itchy, but should not
be unbearable.
What
does iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis cost?
Treatments at the Baywood Physiotherapy and Athletic Injury Centre
location in Ajax are as follows:
Hands or feet: $40 per visit
Hands and feet $60 per visit
How
successful is iontophoresis?
85% of individuals with hyperhidrosis will show improvement in their
symptoms.
Is
iontophoresis covered by my insurance plan?
If your insurance plan covers physiotherapy, then iontophoresis is
covered at our clinic. Treatment is administered by a physiotherapist.
References
Stolman LP
MD,FRCP(C)
Treatment of Hyperhidrosis Dermatologic Clinics Oct 1998;16(4):863-69.
Thomas I.
Palmoplantar
hyperhidrosis: a therapeutic challenge. Am Fam Physician. Mar 1 2004;
69(5): 1117-20.
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