Summary of the study: AC and pulse current iontophoresis: a new approach to the treatment of hyperhidrosis
For the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the hands or feet, iontophoresis treatment with direct current (DC) is the most effective treatment. The positive effect has been proven in several studies. However, treatment with DC does come with some side effects. These include: burns and tingling in the treatment area and skin irritation with redness and blistering. In addition, treatment with DC may be uncomfortable for the patient.
The aim of this study was to minimize the side effects of tap water iontophoresis while improving technology and safety standards. For this purpose, conventional treatment with direct current was compared to treatment using alternating and pulse currents.
AC therapy failed to show any results in relieving hyperhidrosis. The subjects’ excessive sweating remained unchanged. Treatment with pulse current, as with DC treatment, normalised the amount of sweat production after an average of 11 treatments. For both types of current, the side effects of hyperhidrosis such as a blue discoloration of the skin and swelling were reduced.
There were no side effects with the pulse current treatment compared to treatment with DC. This is probably due to the fact that treatment with pulse current requires lower voltage levels than DC in order to alleviate excessive sweating. Therefore, treatment with pulse current should be the treatment of choice for hyperhidrosis of the hands or feet.
(cf. Reinauer, S., Neusser, A. et al.: Iontophoresis with alternating current and direct current offset (AC/DC iontophoresis): a new approach for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. in: British Journal of Dermatology (1993) 129, 166-169.)