| Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses a small, painless electric current to increase the permeability of the skin. This noninvasive method allows drugs that would normally remain on the skin surface to pass through the skin to deeper tissues. It is used to treat excessively sweaty palms and soles (hyperhidrosis), inflammation of the membranes of the feet (plantar fasciitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. The same technique can be used to deliver topical anesthesia prior to cut-down for artificial kidney dialysis, insertion of tracheotomy tubes, and venipuncture. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Iontophoresis is a noninvasive procedure that moves medications across the skin and into deeper tissues. Because iontophoresis acts quickly and locally, it can be used in local anesthesia and pain management. It has proven beneficial in the treatment of localized skin disorders such as excessive sweating of the palms and soles of the feet (hyperhidrosis), nail diseases, post-herpetic neuralgia, psoriasis, eczema, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It can also be used to deliver non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical steroids to tissues in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
When iontophoresis is used as a diagnostic tool for cystic fibrosis, the test is commonly called a "sweat test." Individuals with cystic fibrosis produce higher than normal levels of chloride in their sweat. Pilocarpine, a medication that increases sweating, is delivered through the skin by iontophoresis. The sweat is collected and then analyzed for chloride concentration. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The skin is cleansed and the medication is applied to the selected area. Electrodes are attached to the site and a painless, low electrical current is applied. The electric current increases the permeability of the skin, allowing the medication to pass through the skin into the deeper tissues at the selected site.
When iontophoresis used in the sweat test for cystic fibrosis, electrodes are applied to the thigh or arm. The positive electrode is covered with gauze saturated with a drug that stimulates sweating (pilocarpine). The negative electrode is covered by gauze saturated with a bicarbonate solution. A low electric current is applied to the test site. This is a painless procedure. After 5 to 12 minutes, the electrodes are removed, and the area is washed with distilled water.
Paper discs are then applied over the test site to collect the sweat. These discs are covered with paraffin (a waxy substance obtained from petroleum) to make an airtight seal and prevent evaporation of sweat. After 1 hour, the paraffin is removed. The paper discs are immediately placed in a weighing jar and sent for analysis of the amount of sodium and chloride absorbed from the skin. Iontophoresis sweat testing takes approximately 90 minutes and is painless. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Iontophoresis adequately delivers medications for skin conditions, topical anesthesia, and in the treatment of inflammation of the muscles and joints. No adverse effects are expected. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| As with any low-voltage direct-current device, iontophoresis has the potential to cause injuries through electrolysis if equipment is not maintained or used correctly. Although rare, burns or electric shocks may occur. An allergy to the drug being applied or to the adhesives used in the process may affect recovery time. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Restrictions and accommodations are not associated with this procedure. Any work accommodations are related to underlying medical conditions. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Goldenring, John. "Sweat Electrolytes." MedlinePlus. 20 Jan. 2004. National Library of Medicine. 20 May 2005 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003630.htm>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor