IONTOPHORESIS WITH ALTERNATING-CURRENT AND DIRECT-CURRENT OFFSET (AC DC IONTOPHORESIS) - A NEW APPROACH FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS

Tap-water iontophoresis (TWI) using direct current (DC) is the most ef fective therapy in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Side-effects of this me thod are discomfort. with burning and tingling, and skin irritation, i ncluding erythema and vesicles. Incorrect use may induce iontophoretic bums at sites of minor skin injury. Elaborate safety measures are req uired to prevent electric shock. The aim of this study was to minimize side-effects and to increase technical and safety standards of TWI, w ithout loss of efficacy. In a controlled blind study, treatment of pal mar hyperhidrosis by alternating current (AC) or by AC with DC-offset (AC/DC) was compared with the conventional DC method. Palmar hyperhidr osis was completely controlled after an average of 11 treatments by ei ther AC/DC iontophoresis or the conventional DC method. Virtually no e ffect was seen when AC without DC-offset was used for TWI. There were no signs of cutaneous irritation, or subjective sensations of discomfo rt when AC with or without DC-offset was employed. AC/DC iontophoresis should become the treatment of choice for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. The mechanism of action is unknown. It is hypothesized that an interr upted stimulus-secretion-coupling leads to a functional disturbance of sweat secretion.