This treatment is for those with suffer from excessive sweating of the hands or feet. Tap water iontophoresis, or TWI, for hyperhidrosis is the technique of using a mild electrical current running through water to deliver ions into the body. This harmlessly blocks the skin ducts from producing a large amount of sweat through the glands, resulting in drier hands and less embarrassing moments.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
If you frequently experience excessive sweating without doing physical activity or being an a hot environment, you may have Hyperhidrosis. An estimated 2%-3% of Americans suffer from excessive sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) or of the palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis). Underarm problems tend to start in late adolescence, while palm and sole sweating often begins earlier, around age 13 (on the average). Untreated, these problems may continue throughout life.
Sweating is embarrassing, it stains clothes, ruins romance, and complicates business and social interactions. Severe cases can have serious practical consequences as well, making it hard for people who suffer from it to hold a pen, grip a car steering wheel, or shake hands.
What are the treatment options?
There are multiple treatment methods for hyperhidrosis including both surgical and non-surgical options. Combining options such as topical antiperspirants and iontophoresis can yield better results in the long run.
Iontophoresis for Excessive Sweating
Iontophoresis was introduced over 50 years ago as a treatment for excessive sweating. This treatment works by harmlessly blocking the skin ducts from producing a large amount of sweat through the glands. The procedure uses water to conduct an electric current to the skin a few times each week, for about 10-20 minutes per session. Iontophoresis treatments are not painful, but can be initially uncomfortable.