If you are one of the many people that are suffering from excessive sweating in the hands or feet, then you might want to know more about iontophoresis. Use of the treatment has grown as more people dealing with the embarrassing effects of hypherhidrosis are looking for different treatment options. This can be particularly true when more common treatments, such as prescription antiperspirants fail to achieve results.

Basically, iontophoresis is method whereby water acts as a conductor for low-level electrical charges that are passed into the skin. Why this process works as an excessive sweating treatment is not completely understood, but some doctors think that the current and the trace minerals present in the water work together to thicken the skin’s outer layer at the microscopic level. Due to the thickening of the tissue, perspiration is blocked from reaching the surface of the skin. Additionally, once the sweat production is interrupted, it is possible to see immediate cessation of sweating.

The electricity is applied when the patient has hands, feet, or both immersed in shallow trays filled with water. Patients are required to stay in the water between 20 and 40 minutes while current runs through the water. When using iontophoresis, it should be understood that treatment may continue for some time until sweating is reduced to acceptable levels. You will have to continue taking periodic treatments in order to maintain dryness in hands and feet.

Often, the type of water used can affect the results of iontophoresis. For instance, water lacking the right levels of minerals, electrolytes, soft water, even the geographic location of water can cause lower results. This means that physicians may add additional materials to the water to make it more conducive to iontophoresis. The attending physician may add baking soda or opt for using prescription strength medicines like anticholinergics.

There are certain people who should not use iontophoresis as an excessive sweating treatment. Those affected by this restriction include people with metal body implants, pacemakers, heart conditions, epilepsy, as well as women who are pregnant. You should remember to remove metal jewelry before using this excessive sweating treatment.

The concerns of many people who have considered using iontophoresis to treat hyperhidrosis may revolve around skin irritation caused by the process or the possibility of electric shock. While understandable, these concerns are not warranted. In the case of excessive dryness, simple moisturizers should take care of the problem. In some instances, doctors may recommend the use of Vaseline to protect highly sensitive areas. Worries about electric shock should be lessened by the fact that the current used in iontophoresis is very low.

If want to use iontophoresis effectively, you should consult your dermatologist to get all the information you can about the procedure. It will be a load off your mind if you can know for sure whether iontophoresis will provide the best excessive sweating treatment.