Tap water iontophoresis in palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis

Plain tap water iontophoresis as a method of treatment of idiopathic palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis was evaluated. In the present study, different strengths of current were used for varying periods of time and the treatment was given 6 days a week, until the patients became euhidrotic. Whereas previous workers have used the two electrodes in separate pans, we, in one study, placed them in the same pan of tap water, so that electrolysis occurred at the electrodes on which palms or soles were resting, the current passing through the medium. It was observed that, irrespective of the method used, euhidrosis of palms or soles were achieved. The time and the amount of current required to produce euhidrosis were significantly greater with the single pan technique (average 14-1 sittings in Group I) as compared to the separate pan method (average 7-09 sittings in group II) (t = 3-41, P less than 0.01). The euhidrosis persisted for between 6 and 8 months (average 6-26 months). In our study 90% of the patients treated developed anhidrosis on both the anode and cathode treated palms or soles. In 10% of the subjects, the effect was, however, greater on the anodal side.