Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis using tap water iontophoresis: local experience

LY Chan, WYM Tang, KK Lo, WK Mok, CYF Ly, AWC Ip
Social Hygiene Services, Department of Health, Tuen Mun Social Hygiene Clinic, 5/F Tuen Mun Polyclinic, 4 Tuen Lee Street, Tuen Mun, New Terrirories, Hong Kong

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of severe idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis, nine Chinese patients with severe palmar hyperhidrosis that had failed to respond to topical aluminium chloride were given 6 weeks� treatment with tap water iontophoresis at the Social Hygiene Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong. The reduction in sweat output was assessed objectively and subjectively. The mean objective reduction in sweat output was 49%, 51%, 26%, and 22% at week 3, 6, 10, and 12, respectively, since the start of treatment with tap water iontophoresis The mean subjective improvements were 43%, 59%, 30%, and 12% at week 3, 6,10, and 12, respectively. The side effects reported were all mild and transient. We conclude that tap water iontophoresis is a safe and useful treatment modality for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Hong Kong Med J 1999;5:191-4

Key words: Hand; Hyperhidrosis/therapy; Iontophoresis/methods; Sweat/secretion