How Does Iontophoresis Work?

During a session, the hands or feet sit in shallow trays of water connected to an iontophoresis device. A controlled current passes through the water and skin. The exact biological mechanism is not fully understood, but the treatment appears to interfere temporarily with sweat release at the treated area. It is commonly considered for palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis and may also be adapted for other sites with suitable equipment.

The current can cause tingling, prickling, warmth or mild irritation. Dryness, redness or small cracks may occur, particularly when the intensity is too high or the skin is already damaged. Improvement usually requires a series of sessions followed by maintenance because sweat glands can become active again.

Ask a clinician to confirm the cause of excessive sweating before starting. Do not place jewellery or metal objects in the trays, and cover cuts with suitable protection as instructed. Follow the device settings and session schedule rather than increasing the current yourself. Tell the clinician about implanted electrical devices, pregnancy, heart rhythm problems, reduced sensation and medicines or conditions that affect skin healing.

Stop the session and contact the provider if you develop significant pain, a burn, blistering, persistent numbness, marked swelling or skin breakdown. Seek urgent help for chest symptoms, fainting, breathing difficulty or a widespread allergic reaction. New sweating with dizziness, weight change, fever or night sweats also deserves medical assessment because it may have a cause beyond local hyperhidrosis.

Ask which areas can be treated, whether your sweating needs investigation, how the device should be set, and when maintenance is expected. Ask how to protect cracked skin, what improvement to monitor, and whether botulinum toxin for sweating is a reasonable alternative.