What is iontophoresis procedure?
Iontophoresis is a procedure in which an electrical current is passed through skin soaked in tap water (not distilled water), normal saline (0.9%), or a solution containing an anticholinergic medication, which allows ionised (charged) particles to cross the normal skin barrier.
How is iontophoresis applied?
During iontophoresis, a medical device uses mild electrical currents to deliver medication across biological membranes, often while your affected body part is submerged in water. Iontophoresis is most commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis disorder, a condition that results in persistent and excessive sweating.
How often should iontophoresis be done?
You’ll typically need to repeat the treatment three times per week until you achieve the results you want. After that, you’ll have to do maintenance treatments, usually once per week.
How much dexamethasone is used for iontophoresis?
1.5 ml of the dexamethasone sodium phosphate (4ml/1mL) will be placed on one side and 1.5 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) solution will be placed on the other. Duration of exposure: 123 minutes.
What do you apply after iontophoresis?
Many times, withholding ice or heat treatments after iontophoresis is recommended since these treatments alter circulation to the injured area. This altered circulation might “wash away” the medication that was just introduced to your body.
What drugs are used for iontophoresis?
According to related literature, the most important drugs studied or administered by iontophoresis are: Local anesthetics, opioids, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, anticancer drugs, fluorides, and vitamins.
Can I do iontophoresis twice a day?
The process of iontophoresis must be performed twice daily for 3-4 weeks. The results will last for several weeks before the procedure needs to be repeated. With the proper device, you can complete the treatment at home.
What medications are used with iontophoresis?
What should you do after iontophoresis?
How can I make iontophoresis more effective?
There are several settings on an iontophoresis machine that can be adjusted to increase effectiveness. These include the session length, current strength, type of current, and anode or cathode settings. Turning up the voltage can make iontophoresis more efficient if a lower voltage setting is not working.
What are the contraindications of iontophoresis?
Contraindications to iontophoresis include those related to direct electrical stimulation and from the therapeutic agent involved. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity or adverse reactions associated with the delivered drug in question should avoid iontophoresis of the offending agent.
What voltage should I use for iontophoresis?
The most well known method is iontophoresis. In this approach, a low DC voltage (normally 5 V) is applied across the skin. Charged molecules to be delivered are placed under an ap- propriate electrode and are driven through the skin barrier by electro- phoresis and electroosmosis (Oh et al., 1993; Cullander, 1992).
What water is best for iontophoresis?
In summary, we report successful tap water and normal saline iontophoresis treatment for idiopathic hyperhidrosis. However, normal saline iontophoresis was 1.7 times more effective than tap water iontophoresis at obstructing secretion.
What are the side effects of iontophoresis?
Side effects are minimal and most patients have no problems with iontophoresis. There is a temporary tingling sensation during and after treatment. A harmless, but uncomfortable electrical shock may occur if the patient suddenly stops treatment (for example by removing a hand). The skin can become too dry and cracked.
What to do after using iontophoresis?
How much current is used in iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis was as follows: 1.5 to 4.0 mA for a 40-mA·min dose, with current level set to the highest level tolerable to the volunteer.
How long does it take iontophoresis to work?
In most cases, iontophoresis takes at least two weeks of consistent use to show results. Sometimes it can take even longer. [2] For a patient dealing with burdensome symptoms, that is a long time, and it can lead some to change their treatment plan prematurely.
Does iontophoresis work forever?
No, iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis is not a permanent solution. After the initial treatment period when the desired level of sweat reduction is achieved, maintenance treatments must be continued indefinitely (usually once a week). It is important not to wait until the excessive sweating returns.
What are the parameters for iontophoresis?
Iontophoretic equipment parameters (current amplitude, type, frequency, and duration) Patient physiology (skin moisture, local blood flow, temperature)