Tap water iontophoresis in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Plain tap water iontophoresis as a method of treatment of idiopathic palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis was evaluated. Different strengths of current were used for varying periods of time and the treatment was given 6 days/wk, until the patients became euhidrotic. Previous studies used the 2 electrodes in separate pans; this study placed them in the same pan of tap water so that electrolysis occurred at the electrodes on which palms or soles were resting, the current passing through the medium. The time and the amount of current required to produce euhidrosis were significantly greater with the single pan technique (average 14:1 sittings in the 1st group) as compared to the separate pan method (average 7.09 sittings in the 2nd group) (t = 3.41; P < 0.01). The euhidrosis persisted for between 6 and 8 mo. (average 6.26 mo.). Of the patients treated 90% developed anhidrosis on both the anode and cathode treated palms or soles. In 10% of the subjects, the effect was greater on the anodal side.