A machine to control sweating of hands and feet: Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a treatment technique that involves penetrating certain ions into the skin by means of a low intensity continuous electric current.
Although the technique itself has different applications in Medicine, we will discuss its use in hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating with respect to the physiological needs of the patient). 
The mechanism of action by which improves perspiration is not completely known at present, although it is believed that the passage of the current causes a transient alteration of the sweat glands, obstructing its excretory duct.
It is a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive therapy that can be done at home. There are different models and brands on the market, and although not all equipment has the same characteristics, they all come with trays that fill with running water where hands and/or feet are inserted. These trays have electrodes, which are connected to the appliance and to the mains.

Each iontophoresis session consists of applying an electric current over the area to be treated (usually palms and plants) for (usually) 10-20 minutes. In the case of palms and plants, these will be included in buckets with water. During the treatment, it is possible to feel a certain tingling, although if you use equipment of pulsed current (not continuous) you will be unlikely to encounter other discomforts such as cramps or burning sensation.

With the majority of equipment, it is recommended to initiate the treatment by means of sessions of daily or quasi-daily form until there is the evident improvement in sweating. Subsequently, the frequency of the sessions will go down to obtain the minimum frequency with which the response is maintained.

It is important to know that iontophoresis does not cause a definitive reduction of sweat, but its effects are temporary (lasting more or less depending on individual susceptibility); So recall sessions are necessary after having reached the optimal response to maintain that effect. The frequency of these recall sessions will vary greatly, depending on individual factors, and even depending on the time of year.

In rare cases, hyperhidrosis may be aggravated at the beginning of treatment, but in these cases, this phenomenon is resolved in 3-5 sessions.

Iontophoresis sessions may be uncomfortable, due to the possibility of feeling cramp or burning sensation in the treated area, although this is infrequent with the equipment in which pulsed current is used, as previously mentioned. In the case of appearing, these discomforts are maintained during the duration of the session and do not cause any other local or systemic effect.

The most frequent adverse effect is the dryness of the skin, and it is not uncommon to notice an itching sensation lasting for a few minutes in the hands just after each session; Less frequently, redness or small blistering may occur. In most cases, it is a question of minimum injuries related to the susceptibility of each person, the high amperage or the high frequency of the sessions. These adverse effects are treatable by topical medication, and can usually be avoided in future sessions by reducing the voltage.

The technique is contraindicated in pregnancy, patients with cardiac diseases, patients with pacemakers or carriers of other electronic devices, women with IUDs containing metal, as well as those with metallic orthopedic prostheses close to the area to be treated or in the area by the Which will pass the flow of the electric current.

It is also contraindicated for people who are insensitive to painful stimuli.
For these reasons, if you are pregnant, or are carriers of some type of metal material or have alterations of sensitivity, let your doctor know before treatment.

Iontophoresis equipment is usually designed for use on palms and plants; That is, it will usually be used in cases of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, although there is also equipment with complements for use in armpits. Although a high percentage of patients have an adequate response to treatment, not all respond and not all tolerate, so that before considering to acquire equipment for home use may be worth trying by a cycle of sessions (at least 8 -10 sessions).

Treatment with an iontophoresis machine is available at the Hyperhidrosis Clinic USA.