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</noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p>Iontophoresis is the process of passing a weak electrical current through the skin. Iontophoresis has a variety of uses in medicine. This article discusses the use of iontophoresis to decrease sweating by blocking sweat glands.</p></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Description</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p>The area to be treated is placed into water. A gentle current of electricity passes through the water. A technician carefully and gradually increases the electrical current until you feel a light tingling sensation.</p><p>The therapy lasts about 30 minutes and requires several sessions each week.</p><p>How iontophoresis works is not exactly known. It is thought that the process somehow plugs the sweat glands and temporarily prevents you from sweating.</p><p>Iontophoresis units are also available for home use. If you use a unit at home, be sure to follow the instructions that come with the machine.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Why the Procedure is Performed</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>Iontophoresis may be used to treat excessive sweating (<a test="test" href="./007259.htm">hyperhidrosis</a>) of the hands, underarms, and feet.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Risks</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>Side effects are rare but may include skin irritation, dryness, and blistering. Tingling may continue even after the treatment has ended.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Alternative Names</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Alt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Alt"><p>Hyperhidrosis - iontophoresis; Excessive sweating - iontophoresis</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>Farrugia ME, Kavanagh GM. Hyperhidrosis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. <em>Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies</em>. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 109.</p><p>James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Diseases of the skin appendages. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. <em>Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology</em>. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 33.</p><p>Pollack SV. Electrosurgery. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. <em>Dermatology</em>. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 140.</p></div></div></section>
<section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 6/7/2023</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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<div id="section-version" class="section-body"><p>Updated by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.</p>
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