PULSED DIRECT-CURRENT IONTOPHORESIS AS A NEW METHOD IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS

Tap water iontophoresis with direct current represents the therapy of choice in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Side effects are minor discomfor t and skin irritations. Improper use may induce iontophoretic burns at sites of minor skin injuries. The aim of this study was to find ways of minimizing side effects, increasing safety standards and reducing t he technical complications of tap water iontophoresis without loss of efficacy. In a blind study, 30 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with tap water iontophoresis using pulsed direct current of 4 .3 kHz or 10.0 kHz. Efficacy and side effects were compared with those of the conventional direct current method as a control. Normal sweat secretion rates of palms were found after an average of ten treatment sessions with the conventional direct current method and after twelve with pulsed direct current of 4.3 or 10 kHz. Treatment with pulsed dir ect current of 4.3 kHz failed to inhibit palmar hyperhidrosis in two o f ten patients. Occasionally, such side effects as discomfort, skin ir ritation, and mild electric shock occurred when direct current was app lied. Using pulsed direct current subjective sensations of discomfort and skin irratation were rare (4.3 kHz) or very rare (10 kHz). Electri c shock was completely prevented. Because of the minimal side effects, despite minor loss of efficacy tap water iontophoresis with pulsed di rect current can be a valuable alternative treatment for palmar hyperh idrosis