Iontophoresis is a technique where a substance is transmitted through a patient's skin by a small electrical current. The effectiveness of the procedure varies from condition to condition.
Identification
Iontophoresis is a procedure in which medication or other components are infused directly into the bloodstream in a non-invasive nature. This is accomplished by tiny electrical impulses that force the substance through the skin. Medications that can be administered this way include verapamil--a heart medication--and corticosteroids, as they are considered ionizable.
Types
Iontophoresis is typically performed through the use of a transdermal medication patch that is placed on the skin, or through water submersion. The skin patch method is used for the administration of medicines such as corticosteroids, while in its use for hyperhidrosis--excessive sweating--medications, the water method is indicated.
Effectiveness
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, the use of iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis is very effective. The American Academy of Dermatology cites an 83 percent success rate when this procedure is used to treat patients with hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. However, the Aetna website states its use for the administration of medications for musculoskeletal, or heart conditions, is experimental, and insufficient evidence exists to prove its effectiveness.
Related posts
Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in tobacco. Nicotine patches are designed to wean someone off tobacco who is addicted to either cigarette smoking or smokeless tobacco ("snuff"...
Police department organization is customized to the community protected.Police agencies and departments function very much as teams of specialized units. As a result, their management and staff mu...
The nicotine patch is a small adhesive patch that is affixed to the upper arm. It is designed to help smokers wean their bodies off of nicotine in order to stop smoking, and is currently available...
Side Effects of the Diet PatchDiet patches have an adhesive side that sticks to your skin. Diet medication that you would normally take in pill form is released gradually through your skin to supp...
Olive oil has been used for centuries as a beauty treatment.Transdermal medications deliver medication directly through your skin into your system. The plastic patch adheres to your skin, usually...
