What is Iontophoresis and how can it help with excessive sweating?

Iontophoresis is a well established, safe and effective treatment, that can be used to control excessive sweating (or Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating).

Excessive sweating can seem like a trivial problem to the 97% of the population who aren’t affected, but for sufferers, the condition can cause painfully real issues.

• For example, social interactions can be awkward or uncomfortable for most sufferers.
• The condition may affect critical life choice decisions relating to personal or social relationships and career paths.
• The material consequences of profuse sweating  can range from coping with the effects on clothing through to problems holding items, using touch screens or keyboards.
•  The anxiety caused  can actually exacerbate the condition.

As an established therapy to control excessive sweating,  recognised by Dermatologists and used within the NHS, Iontophoresis offers a practical method of reducing the volume of sweat produced.

How do you treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the UK?

As we are based in the UK, I will describe how treatment for excessive sweating is offered in the UK (as therapy for Hyperhidrosis is offered by different methods dependent on country or continent).

You should  always consult your GP or a Medical practitioner in the first instance.

Excessive sweating is categorised into two forms, Primary Hyperhidrosis and Secondary and it is important to establish that your excessive sweating is not due to an illness, hormonal condition or other underlying cause. This type of  excessive sweating is broadly categorised as Secondary Hyperhidrosis.

Primary Hyperhidrosis is the most common form of excessive sweating and tends to be focussed on certain body sites (rather than sweating from every surface of the skin). Armpits, hands, feet, neck, torso, face and scalp, are common focal points. Primary Hyperdirosis tends to first present in childhood or teenage years.

Whilst sweating is a normal response to a rise in body temperature, and to emotions such as anxiety, the cause of Primary Hyperhidrois is not known.

Following your consultation with a Dermatologist and a diagnosis of Primary Hyperhidrosis, the Dermatologist will discuss appropriate treatment options, these may include;

• Anti-Perspirant – This will be a strong, pharmaceutical anti-perspirant containing Aluminium Chloride (not supermarket anti-perspirant but available OTC at a Pharmacy).
• Topical Glycopyrrolate – This can reduce sweating in areas such as the scalp, forehead, and armpits.
• Anticholinergic drugs – These  drugs block the nerves that set off sweating.  These tablet medications are taken in a dose sufficient to reduce sweating without causing too much of a dry mouth, blurred vision, tummy cramps, constipation, and difficulty in passing urine. A small dose is used at first and gradually increased.
• Botox – can be injected into the skin to block sweating. This treatment is widely available privately, but not available on the NHS. The effects last 2-6 months, and the treatment can be repeated. Botox is not used in the palms and soles because it can cause temporary weakness of hand and foot muscles and is painful.
• Surgical Interventions – Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (an operation to cut nerves that are triggered to produce sweating) may be considered for localised hyperhidrosis when other treatments have failed. It is most useful for severe hyperhidrosis of the palms and face. This is a major operation, performed under general anaesthetic and carries a number of risks. These include nerve and lung damage during the surgery, as well as the risks of any general anaesthetic. In addition, many individuals go on to develop compensatory sweating at other body sites (very common). In some individuals, this can be more severe than the original problem and is very difficult to treat.
• Iontophoresis has been used since 1936 to treat excessive sweating. It involves using a machine to pass a weak electrical current through the affected areas of skin. This is done by placing the hands or feet in trays filled with water, or by holding water-soaked sponge pads under the arms, back or groin, or wearing a water-soaked mask on the face. A weak electrical current is then passed through the water to the skin. As mentioned, some NHS dermatology departments in the UK offer a trial of Iontophoresis treatment through a practitioner-led clinic. The trial enables you to see if the treatment works successfully before you purchase your own iontophoresis machine for home use. Iontophoresis treatment can then be carried out by yourself, in your own home.

Why treat excessive sweating with Iontophoresis?

Contrasting Iontophoresis with other treatment options.

• • Iontophoresis effectively reduces excess sweating with success rates ranging between 80-100%.
  • Safe & Effective
  • Least invasive therapy for Hyperhidrosis if Anti-Perspirants or Topical treatments fail
  • Treat yourself at home. No time off work. No awkward conversation regarding your condition.
  • No problem sticking to the treatment schedule. You fit the treatment into your schedule.
  • Non surgical procedure.
  • No travelling to a treatment centre.
  • No costs associated with repeat treatments or  private medical care.
  • Knowing that you can control your condition reduces stress. Stress can actually exacerbate excessive sweating.