SweatSolutions.org: First Reported Cases of Botox Delivered by Iontophoresis

March 2005 Edition Table of Contents:

» Study Says, Change Antiperspirant Routine

» Primary or Secondary? Know Your Type.

» Summer Fun for Kids with Skin Conditions

» M.D.s Knock Surgery for Hyperhidrosis & Huge Insurance Scam includes ETS

» First Reported Cases of Botox Delivered by Iontophoresis

» View Events

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First Reported Cases of Botox Delivered by Iontophoresis

(March 2005) According to a "Case Report" in the "British Journal of Dermatology" iontophoresis may be used to give Botox treatments for excessive sweating of the hands. By delivering Botox with iontophoresis, the researchers avoided the use of potentially uncomfortable needles, thus making the treatment easier for patients to undergo. Additionally, side effects sometimes associated with Botox injections to the hands, such as temporary muscle weakness, were greatly reduced.

The 'Case Report' (titled 'Botox delivery by iontophoresis' and authored by G.M. Kavanagh, C. Oh, and K. Shams) indicates that the two patients who received Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis of the hands via iontophoresis found relief from their excessive sweating symptoms for 3 months and experienced no side effects.

As many of our readers know, tap-water iontophoresis has, by itself, been used for decades to treat excessive sweating of the hands and feet. During a tap water iontophoresis procedure, water is used to conduct an electrical current through the skin's surface from an electronic device, powered by AC current, a battery, or a rechargeable power supply. The exact way in which this helps to limit excessive sweating is not known, but researchers speculate that the electrical current somehow temporarily blocks the sweat gland.

Iontophoresis treatment typically involves three to four sessions per week. Sweating symptoms usually improve after five to ten sessions. To maintain the sweat relief, one or two sessions of 'maintenance' iontophoresis per week are often required. The success of iontophoresisis highly dependant on the technique and the machine itself.

By using iontophoresis to deliver Botox, the researchers involved with this study were able to relieve patients' excessive sweating symptoms after one session, providing much longer lasting relief than with iontophoresis alone.

The study, however, was small (based on only two patients) and therefore further research is necessary.