What is an iontophoresis device used for?

During treatment, the hands or feet are placed in shallow trays of tap water while the device sends a controlled, low electrical current through the water. Pads or a different setup may be used for areas that cannot sit in a tray. The session temporarily reduces sweat production in the treated area; it does not remove sweat glands or correct every cause of sweating.

A mild tingling or prickling feeling is common during use. The skin may become dry, irritated, or cracked if sessions are too strong or too frequent, which is why the settings and schedule should follow professional instructions.

Read the device instructions and have the treatment plan demonstrated before using it at home. Remove jewellery from the treatment area, cover cuts or grazes as directed, and do not increase the current to speed up results. Moisturise dry skin after treatment if your clinician recommends it. Tell a healthcare professional if you have an implanted electronic device, a heart rhythm condition, are pregnant, or take medicines that affect your skin or nerves before starting.

Stop treatment and contact a clinician if burning, blistering, marked pain, persistent numbness, or a wound develops. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, fainting, or a severe reaction. New sweating limited to one side, sweating during sleep, or a sudden major change should be assessed for an underlying cause rather than treated only at home.

Ask which areas can be treated, how often sessions should be scheduled, what current level is appropriate, and how to protect irritated skin. Ask whether your sweating pattern needs medical tests or another treatment.