How effective is iontophoresis for sweaty palms?

Your palms rest in water-filled trays while a low electrical current passes through the water. The process can temporarily quiet sweat production in the treated skin. It does not remove the underlying tendency to sweat, and it will not directly dry the underarms or other areas. Improvement is generally judged by whether daily tasks such as writing, using a phone, or shaking hands become easier, rather than by a promise that the palms will remain completely dry.

Follow the device instructions and the schedule set with your clinician. Cover small cuts only if your treatment team advises it, and do not treat cracked, infected, or inflamed skin without guidance. Tingling and dryness are possible; stop if the sensation becomes painful and ask how to modify the setting. Mention pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, pregnancy, and reduced hand sensation before treatment. Moisturiser after a session may help dryness if recommended.

Get advice about a palm that develops blistering, a burn-like mark, worsening swelling, severe pain, or numbness that does not settle after treatment. A sudden change in sweating, night sweating, faintness, fever, or symptoms after starting a medicine should prompt a medical review rather than self-treatment. If regular sessions do not improve hand function, ask a dermatologist to reassess the diagnosis and discuss other options.

How often should I treat my palms at the start? What should I do about cuts or eczema? Which side effects mean I should stop? How will we compare improvement with my usual activities?