Iontophoresis for Hyperhidrosis

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis then it is likely that if stronger antiperspirants aren’t working that your GP will refer you to a skin specialist or dermatologist.  Dermatologists have a real understanding of your condition, and are likely to advise the use of iontophoresis as a way of preventing excessive sweating of the palms and feet.  Before you have your treatment you will have to have an in-depth discussion with your dermatologist to ensure that iontophoresis is the right treatment for you.  You will need to let your practitioner know if:

  • You have any form of metal pin or pacemaker that will conduct electricity
  • If you had any skin problems such as eczema or any thing else that may be irritated by the treatment
  • All of your concerns with the treatment
  • If you have any open cuts that would be submersed into the water during the treatment

It is important that you have a consultation before your iontophoresis, and they are very easy to make.  Your GP can organize a meeting with a dermatologist, and once you have made your problem clear and a diagnosis has been made, you are likely to be booked in for a consultation soon afterwards. 


Iontophoresis Pracitioners for Hyperhidrosis

Your GP will refer you to a dermatologist before you consider iontophoresis treatment, and it is likely that your treatments will take place in the dermatological department within a local hospital or health centre.  Your treatment is likely to be conducted by a dermatologist or dermatologist nurse. 

You can perform your own iontophoresis treatment at home now, with a home kit that you can buy online.  These kits are completely safe and have very good instructions so that your home treatment cannot cause you any harm. 

Iontophoresis doesn’t work instantly.  You will need to have a course of treatments, generally around 10, in order to notice a difference to your sweating.  Each treatment lasts around half an hour, and can be slightly uncomfortable, a small pricking sensation is normal.  After the initial treatments you will need regular top-ups to keep your hyperhidrosis at bay.  This is usually when your dermatologist will advise that you buy a home kit.

Side Effects/Risks

  • Cracked skin or irritation.  Your skin might react slightly to the treatment, although this is usually a small reaction and will quickly clear up.  If you suffer from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis then this might worsen after iontophoresis treatments.
  • Blistering
  • Small electric shocks or burns.  This is a very rare risk of iontophoresis and not something that you ought to worry too much about.

The side effects of iontophoresis are slight and rarely will anything happen that is likely to cause you any harm.  The machines are safety checked on a regular basis and are designed so that the electric current is very small so that it is very unlikely that you will hurt yourself through this procedure. 

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