Iontophoresis equipment allows medical professionals to administer a non-invasive drug delivery method by applying a mild, non-shocking electrical current through a patch-like electrode which administers medication directly into the skin to help treat hyperhidrosis, or to use for sports injuries by administering anti-inflammatory medications.
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What is an Iontophoresis Electrode?
An iontophoresis electrode is a patch-like medical device where a drug is placed that is to be delivered to an individual through the skin. A mild electrical current travels from the delivery unit to the electrode and allows the medication to be pin pointed to a specific area of the body that requires treatment. The electrode is disposable and available in many styles, including square and butterfly shapes.
What is an Iontophoresis Delivery Unit?
An iontophoresis delivery unit administers drugs and soluble salts through the skin into the body by using electrical current. This non-invasive drug delivery method eliminates the tissue damage and pain that is associated with hypodermic injections. This type of delivery is a more predictable, controlled, and reproducible release of drugs into the bloodstream. The unit has two controls to adjust the current and the dose, with a high contrast display showing dose, time, and current. Audible alerts and visual indicators ensure total control of resistance limits, current limits, dose, and electrode reject. It also has automatic time calculations that recalculate the current and dose settings when paused, changed, or restarted.
What is Iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is a medical procedure in which a mild electrical current is applied to the skin to temporarily increase the permeability of the skin. This allows the medication to pass through what would normally be a barrier. This process is used to test for cystic fibrosis and as a method of drug delivery.
The fact that when a mild electric current is applied to the skin so it becomes more permeable is the basis of many types of iontophoresis treatments. This means that pores such as hair follicles and sweat glands are more receptive to the uptake of chemicals. For this reason, many physical therapists utilize this procedure. When applied in this way, anti-inflammatory medication is delivered across the skin. This enables the physical therapist to more directly target an area of the body which needs treating. An inflammatory disease called bursitis and a heel condition called plantar fasciitis can both be treated using this method of drug delivery.
A nervous system condition called hyperhidrosis, which causes sweating particularly from the feet and hands, can also be treated with iontophoresis. This condition develops when the body’s sympathetic nervous system cannot properly control its temperature. As a result, the feet, hands, and other locations, such as the armpits, chest, and back, sweat excessively. The exact way in which this treatment helps reduce the symptoms of hyperhidrosis is unknown. The current theory is that the electrical stimulation thickens the skin’s outer layer, therefore, reduces the flow of sweat to the surface of the skin. This treatment is typically utilized only for hyperhidrosis of the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. During the procedure, an individual sits with the feet or hands immersed in a shallow water bath while a mild electric current is passed through the water.
A diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis is another use for the procedure. This disease causes excess production of mucus which significantly shortens an individual’s lifespan. Since those with cystic fibrosis have a greatly increased level of chloride in the sweat, measuring the sweat’s chloride level is the easiest diagnostic marker. During the test a sweat inducing chemical is applied to the skin. Then, iontophoresis is carried out to help stimulate the sweat glands. The sweat is collected on filter paper and analyzed for chloride presence.
Those who have a heart condition, wear a pacemaker, or have epilepsy should not receive this treatment. It also may be unsafe for pregnant women. Aside from the risk for these groups of people, iontophoresis side effects are minimal. The treatment can dry out the skin, therefore, moisturizers are recommended after treatment to reduce dryness. Abrasions on the area of the skin to receive the treatment should be covered with petroleum jelly or a similar substance before the procedure to prevent irritation.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a variety of iontophoresis electrodes and unit from top quality vendors, which include North Coast and Fabrication Enterprises.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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