Tag Archive for: hyperhidrosis
Why Previous Attempts at Iontophoresis May Not Have Worked
Iontophoresis relies on a mild electrical current to deliver the natural minerals found in tap water to affected sweat glands as well as along the conduction system. After several sessions, this ion current has been clinically proven to reduce perspiration without damaging the sweat glands. However, not all patients have this experience at first.
Whether you had previously tried and failed treatments for hyperhidrosis or saw diminished effectiveness over time, here is why previous attempts at iontophoresis may not have worked for you.
Soft Water
During iontophoresis, tap water serves as an electrically conductive medium between the electrodes and your skin. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are delivered into the skin, essentially “plugging them up” to create an all-natural dryness barrier. However, some houses have water-softening systems that filter out these necessary minerals. Or you may find yourself in an area of the country where the well water is naturally soft.
Soft water may have been why iontophoresis didn’t work for you in the past.
Fix: Adding baking soda, using an exterior water source like a hose, or buying mineral water from the store.
Metal Electrodes
Traditionally, aluminum or stainless-steel electrodes were added to basins filled with tap water. But because metal is a corrosive material, these electrodes would become discolored, pitted, and lose effectiveness throughout treatments. Corrosion impedes the current because it prefers to flow through the path of least resistance. Having coverage across your entire skin’s surface area ensures better, more consistent results.
Corroded metal electrodes may have been why iontophoresis didn’t work for you in the past.
Fix: Metal-free, silicone-graphite electrodes.
The Wrong Current
During iontophoresis, the current is applied as either a constant Direct Current or Pulsed Current. These two current types differ in their therapeutic effectiveness and perceived sensation. Dermatologists consider direct current more effective because the application is constant and consistent. With Direct Current, patients experience faster results.
“For a person suffering from excessive sweating, direct current is the only choice,” says Dr. Rolf Eilers of Saalmann Medical.
Pulsed current is perceived as being a more comfortable experience because you can tolerate higher current levels. Due to the inconsistent flow of Pulsed Current, the therapeutic dose (or milliamperes) cannot compare with that of Direct Current. Pulsed current is more frequently applied for those with sensitivity issues or pediatric patients.
Imagine two rooms. In one, you turn the lights on, wait for 20 minutes, and then turn them off. That’s Direct Current. In room #2, the light bulbs are brighter, but you can’t tolerate that much brightness, so you keep flickering the lights on and off for twenty minutes. That’s Pulsed Current.
While both current types have their own use, treating with the wrong one may have been why iontophoresis didn’t work for you in the past.
Fix: An iontophoresis device like The Fischer that features both Direct Current and Pulsed Current settings, giving you the flexibility to treat for faster results or a more comfortable experience.
Not Treating for Long Enough
At RA Fischer, our Treatment Specialists recommend that patients begin iontophoresis treatments at 20-minutes per area. During the initial phase of our 3-phased treatment approach, the goal is to reduce sweat within the first two weeks with an every-other-day session.
Following this initial phase, a gradual reduction in sessions – from 3x a week to 1-2 sessions per week, and so on – is required to maintain therapeutic success. For patients with palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, this is when you can transition to treating both hands and both feet at the same time, effectively reducing the treatment time in half.
Once you’ve achieved 100% consistent dryness, you’ve reached the maintenance phase of iontophoresis and can now treat on an “as needed” basis. Some patients can go 4-6 weeks in between 20-minute sessions.
Not treating for long enough, or following the wrong treatment plan, may have been why iontophoresis didn’t work for you in the past.
Fix: Following our treatment plan or speaking to one of our Treatment Specialists with specific questions about your symptoms and experience.
How To Use The Fischer: Underarms
The Fischer: Underarms is a modern, metal-free iontophoresis device. Silicone-graphite electrodes with soft sponge pad inserts deliver a better, faster, and safer experience for axillary hyperhidrosis patients. Soft-touch and designed to contour to your underarms, these state-of-the-art underarm attachments ensure treatment is delivered consistently across your skin’s surface area. This how to article reviews setup and treatment:
- First, clean your underarms by removing ointments, creams, and/or cosmetics.
- Soak the sponge pad sleeves in tap water, but don’t wring them out! The wetter the better as this helps ensure current flow.
- Take each of the axillary electrodes and insert them into the sponge pad sleeves. Make sure they are completely pushed in.
- Plug The Fischer control unit into the wall and power it on.
- Plug the axillary electrode cables into the connectors E1 and E2 located at the back of the control unit.
- Set treatment timer to 15-20 minutes
- Set power level. It’s important to treat at a level that’s comfortable for you. Most patients begin low at 1-3 mA and gradually increase over time.
- You’re now ready to begin treatment. Insert an attachment (sponge pad sleeve + electrode) under each arm, with the connector cables pointing to the front. Keep them in place by applying slight pressure with your arms.
- After your treatment timer reaches zero and you hear the beep, remove the attachments from under your arms.
- Power The Fischer off, because you’re finished!
Please refer to The Fischer instruction manual for full details on setup and treatment. Questions? Contact our Treatment Specialists today!
How To Use The Fischer: Hands & Feet
The Fischer is a modern, metal-free iontophoresis device for treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, aka excessively sweaty hands and feet. This how to article reviews setup and treatment:
- Plug the main control unit into the wall and turn it on.
- Place the water bath trays on a level surface.
- Connect an electrode cable to each electrode.
- Plug electrode cords into connectors E1 and E2 at the back panel of the main control unit.
- Place an electrode into each water bath tray. Although it doesn’t matter which electrode goes where, for ease of use, place the electrode plugged into E1 in the left water bath tray and the electrode plugged into E2 in the right water bath tray.
- Cover each electrode with a blue foam insert.
- Fill both water bath trays with tap water (approx. 2-5 cups) so that the foam mats are damp. A good sign that you’ve added the right amount of water: the palms of your hands and/or soles of your feet are completely wet and the outsides of your fingers and/or toes are partially covered. Unless you suffer from sweating on the tops of your hands and/or feet, refrain from submerging your entire hand/foot in water.
- Set the treatment timer.
- Set your power level.
- Set the current to Direct Current
- Set the polarity switch to Auto
- Place both hands/feet into the water bath trays
- On the main control unit, you’ll notice the Active Treatment Display (ATD) light up with two bars. These display in real-time that the treatment is working and when you’ve reached the preset power level.
- Treat for 15-20 minutes per session. Once the timer reaches zero, wait for the beep.
- Remove your hands and feet.
- Turn off The Fischer, because your treatment is finished!
Please refer to The Fischer instruction manual for full details on setup and treatment. Questions? Contact our Treatment Specialists today!
At-Home Hyperhidrosis Solutions During Coronavirus Social Distancing
The coronavirus has hyperhidrosis patients looking for sustainable, at-home solutions. Botox treatment offices are closing. Supply chains for medications are being disrupted. Where can patients turn?
Iontophoresis is the ideal at-home solution for patients struggling with sweaty hands, feet, and/or underarms during social distancing.
Medical Office Closures
Some hyperhidrosis patients rely on regular Botox injections to manage their sweat symptoms. With doctor’s offices across the United States closing due to the coronavirus, patients are now scrambling for alternative options.
Botox is most commonly used to treat severe underarm sweating. But did you know that iontophoresis devices come with special attachments that can be used to treat the underarms? Even better: the treatment is all-natural, compared to the possible side-effects associated with getting Botox injections.
City & County-Wide Quarantines
What happens if you’re asked not to leave your home except for necessities? Relying on prescription wipes and medications adds stress to an already stressful situation. Whether it’s supply chain disruptions resulting in delayed deliveries, or impossibly-long lines at the pharmacy, hyperhidrosis patients may soon be forced to rely on at-home alternatives.
Iontophoresis devices plug right into your wall. The science uses a mild electric current to deliver the natural minerals found in tap water into your sweat pores, “plugging them up” to create a long-lasting dryness barrier. Most patients treat once every 3-4 weeks for only 20-minutes as part of an ongoing maintenance schedule.
At the end of the day, iontophoresis gives hyperhidrosis patients peace of mind that everything they need to fight sweat is already in their possession.
Utilizing Downtime
Now that you’re staying safe by social distancing, you have more free time on your hands! Well, that is unless you have kids to home-school for the foreseeable future. Luckily, our Treatment Specialists can look into your insurance benefits and eligibility on your behalf. Ask yourself:
- Have you switched insurance providers?
- Have you met your deductible this year?
- Are you seeing a new Primary Care Physician?
Now’s the time to re-evaluate your hyperhidrosis coverage options.
Last Things To Remember
While some hyperhidrosis patients may be relishing in the fact that no one’s shaking hands these days, others are still living with the stigma of heavy sweating. Hyperhidrosis is a common and treatable medical condition and nothing to be embarrassed about.
If you or someone you know is still struggling with sweat, remember:
- It’s common. Excessive sweating is something millions of people struggle with, so just know you’re not alone.
- It’s misunderstood. It’s not anxiety or “just clammy hands.” Hyperhidrosis can seriously affect one’s confidence and even career.
- It’s treatable. Iontophoresis is 91% effective for treating overly-sweaty hands, feet, and underarms.
RA Fischer’s iontophoresis device is FDA-Cleared and covered by select insurance plans. We even file prior-authorization requests. Our Treatment Specialists are working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic and are still available to answer your questions. Contact us or give us a call at (800) 525-3467.