September 21, 2023

How Old Do You Have To Be To Use An Iontophoresis Device

Iontophoresis devices with sophisticated safeguards like antishock software and intuitive user interfaces facilitate the safe use of electricity in today’s success stories. In fact, the The Fischer tap water iontophoresis device is approved for pediatric patients as young as 6-years-old. Here’s why.

PEDIATRICS

why Metal-Free Matters

Any direct contact with aluminum or stainless-steel conductors results in skin burns when operating a traditional metal-based iontophoresis device. The Fischer’s use of silicone/graphite electrodes as well as insulated socket and connector systems provides protection for younger users, eliminating the possibility of open metal contact burns.

Over the course of iontophoresis treatments, metal electrodes undergo an electrolytic dissolution process aka they release metal ions into the water. As the metal electrodes tarnish or become pitted, it reduces the treatment’s effectiveness. It’s another reason why younger patients with skin sensitivities or metal allergies were previously disqualified from being prescribed iontophoresis.

Graphite, on the other hand, is considered to be an electrolytically inert material. The Fischer’s silicone-graphite electrodes are designed to be highly-conductive, abrasion resistant, durable, yet soft to the touch. They will not release metal ions into the water, which would have otherwise been delivered into your child’s skin.

Safe Use of Electricity

Once a patient’s skin contact is recognized, The Fischer’s intelligent control software automatically initiates the treatment session. The current is slowly increased to the pre-set milliampere levels, allowing the body to comfortably acclimate. Before the treatment winds down, the milliamperes are gradually reduced. The device recognizes potential voltage peaks (the so-called electric fence effect) early on and intercepts this hazard with anti-shock guard software. The visual display not only shows the pre-set target value but also the actual flow of the electric charge.

Free Choice of Settings

Hyperhidrosis affects every patient uniquely, and therefore no iontophoresis treatment is one-size-fits-all. From the duration of the treatment, the strength of the current, to the type of current and direction of polarity, it’s important to personalize your device’s settings to your experience.

With The Fischer, the integration of Direct and Pulsed Current into one device opens up all possibilities to the user for conducting treatment according to their individual requirements. For patient’s with serious hyperhidrosis symptoms, or those looking achieve dryness as quickly as possible, Direct Current remains the preferred option for doctors like Dr. Rolf Eilers from Saalmann Medical.

“If you go to literature and clinical studies, Direct Current is really the most effective way to treat hyperhidrosis,” Dr. Eilers says. “With Pulsed Current, the Direct Current is switched on and off in very short cycles. This results in a different awareness of the electricity, a different feeling. Literature and clinical studies tell us that the efficacy is reduced. So I recommend that if you’re starting with iontophoresis, start with Direct Current. Keep it simple. This is the most effective way to see results."

For patients with body resistance or sensitivity issues, switching to Pulsed Current is just a click away with The Fischer. Thanks to the integration of both modes of operation into one device, pediatric patients can optimize individual settings during the course of their treatment without having to decide beforehand upon the preferred equipment type.

“From my point of view, the most important thing in the beginning is to see results as soon as possible,” Dr. Eilers continues. “That’s why we recommend the Direct Current. [But] for patients who may only be able to tolerate 1-3mA, if you’re quite sensitive to that, the Pulsed Current might be more practical for you.”

Ease of Use

Setting up The Fischer is simple. The three-button interface and pictorial settings on the device’s screen are self-explanatory. Better yet: the device’s memory stores previous session data, allowing for a one-touch start.

“If you’re starting with iontophoresis, start with Direct Current. Keep it simple. This is the most effective way to see results.”