Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes abnormal
sweating not related to exercise or resulting from another
underlying condition. While it can affect different areas of the
body, severe palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (involving the
hands or feet) can often cause social distress or occupational
difficulties.
Medical treatments of palmar hyperhidrosis include
application of topical agents (chemical antiperspirants such as
aluminum chloride), Iontophoresis (treatment with electrical
current), Botox© injections, or surgery (endoscopic sympathectomy).
In cases where antiperspirants are not effective, a physician
may recommend "Tap Water Iontophoresis" for treatment
of palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. In medical terms,
iontophoresis is defined as the topical introduction of ionized
drugs into the skin using direct current (DC). However, use of
iontophoresis with simple tap water has been documented as early
as 1952, and later studies by Dr. Fred Levit and Dr. Lewis P.
Stolman demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of palmar
hyperhidrosis.
Typical treatments consist of placing the hands
(and/or feet) into two water baths, each with a connection to the
Galvanic Unit. Current is applied typically for 10-20 minutes per
session, initially with 2-3 sessions per week followed by a
maintenance program of treatments at 1 to 3 week intervals,
depending upon the patient's response.
While the exact mechanism for the effects of tap water
iontophoresis on hyperhidrosis remains uncertain, recent research
suggests that a parakeratotic plug is formed, blocking the duct
without damaging the sweat gland. Dr. Stolman found
iontophoresis to be effective in about 83% of the 18 subjects treated in his
study.
$945 CDN + Shipping & Taxes - Includes 1 set of trays & DVD.
Physicians can request an instructional DVD entitled "Iontophoresis for Hyperhidrosis with the Fischer Galvanic Unit". Part of the DLC Training Series by Dr. Lewis P. Stolman, this 12 minute video describes treatment of the hands and feet using the Model MD-1a including operation with and without an assistant. This instructional video is available to physicians only.
REFERENCES:
1. Levit, F: Treatment of Hyperhidrosis by
Tap Water Iontophoresis. Cutis, August 1980. pp192-194
2. Stolman, L: Treatment of Excessive
Sweating of the Palms by Iontophoresis. Arch. Dermatology,
July 1987. pp893-896
3. Stolman, Lewis P.: Treatment of Hyperhidrosis. Dermatologic Clinics,
October 1998. pp863-867 ONLINE RESOURCES:
View Operating Instructions for MD-1a (PDF Document: Requires Adobe Reader)
View MD-1a Product Information Page / Contraindications (PDF Document: Requires Adobe Reader)
View MD-1a MD-1a General Usage (Courtesy Dr. Lewis Stolman) (PDF Document: Requires Adobe Reader)
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