Does it work?
After one cycle of treatment, up to 85% of people with symptoms in the hands and feet will find relief. It is slightly less successful in the treatment of underarm sweating but there is up to 70% success rate. As success is related to the direct effect of the electrical current on the skin, iontophoresis works best when higher currents are used, or the treatment is carried out for longer.
Iontophoresis is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, and it has few side effects when used as directed. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.
How many sessions are needed?
For hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), the treatment involves daily or weekly sessions over several weeks, followed by a maintenance schedule of less frequent sessions to keep the symptoms under control.
The duration of each session will vary depending on the individual case, but typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.
It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan and attend all scheduled sessions to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Iontophoresis
Why come to Derma for your treatment?
Receiving iontophoresis treatment under the guidance of trained nurses can offer several potential benefits:
- Experienced nurses can ensure the treatment is delivered safely and effectively, using appropriate settings and dosages based on the individual’s needs and medical history.
- Allows for more precise and consistent delivery of the therapy, as the equipment and techniques used in the clinic are more advanced than those available for home use.
- More robust monitoring of progress and adjust treatment as needed throughout the course which leads to better outcomes.
However, iontophoresis can be done at home as well, with the use of equipment prescribed by a dermatologist. The decision to receive treatment in a clinic or at home should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, based on individual needs and circumstances. Often it is recommended that the initial treatment schedule is carried out in a clinic then maintenance doses can be carried out at home using a cheaper, commercially available machine.
What are the Benefits of Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis has several potential benefits, including:
Localised treatment: Since iontophoresis delivers the medication or therapeutic agent directly to the target area, it can provide a more targeted and localised treatment than other delivery methods.
Reduced systemic side effects: By delivering drugs directly to the affected area, iontophoresis can potentially reduce the risk of systemic side effects that can occur when drugs are taken orally or injected.
Safe and well-tolerated: Iontophoresis is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few reported side effects when used as directed.
However, it is important to note that not all conditions can be treated with iontophoresis, and the effectiveness of the treatment may vary depending on the individual case. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Are there any contraindications to the treatment?
- Pregnancy, although the risks are unknown. However, it is safe if you are breastfeeding
- Epilepsy
- Patients with a metal implant that may be affected by the flow of the current such as joint replacements
- Patients with electrical implants such as a pacemaker
If iontophoresis is administered in clinic by experienced healthcare professionals then the side effects above are unlikely, as treatment will be adjusted according to the patient’s tolerance.
What is the process of Iontophoresis at Derma?
The course lasts over a month. The treatment will always start on a Tuesday:
- First week on days 1,2 and 4
- Second week on days 7 and 10
- Third week on day 15
- Fourth week on day 22.
Depending on the site of treatment, you may need to remove your top to expose the armpits otherwise you can roll up your sleeves or remove your socks and shoes.
Metal piercings will need to be removed during the treatment
The treatment involves placing the affected sites (hand and/or feet) in a water bath just covering approximately halfway up the affected areas, a low dosage electrical current will then be passed through. You will need to remain in position for 20-40 minutes.
Hands and feet can be treated at the same time, but the axilla will need a separate treatment. Each treatment will take 20-40 minutes, so if the axilla and hands are being treated it will take over an hour.
Most patients feel a tingling sensation which lasts for a while after the session, but it is expected that you will be able to go home and carry on with normal household tasks following treatment.
What are the side effects of Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is generally considered to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment, with few reported side effects. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or skin irritation during or after the treatment. Other potential side effects may include:
- Skin irritation: Iontophoresis may cause skin irritation or redness at the site of treatment, particularly if the treatment is administered at high intensity or for an extended period of time.
- Skin dryness or mild dermatitis which can be treated with emollients.
- Tingling or itching: Some individuals may experience a mild tingling or itching sensation during the treatment, which settles on cessation of treatment.
- Burns or skin damage: If the treatment is administered at too high an intensity or for too long, it may cause burns or other damage to the skin.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting iontophoresis treatment to discuss any potential risks or side effects. If any side effects or adverse reactions are experienced during treatment, it is important to stop the treatment and seek medical attention.
What about aftercare?
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Oxford since 2017. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register. She qualified from Oxford University in 2008.
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
Professor Rubeta Matin is a UK trained consultant dermatologist and honorary senior lecturer in Oxford since 2015. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007