title: [Therapy of hyperhidrosis with tap water iontophoresis. Positive effect on healing time and lack of recurrence in hand-foot eczema].
abstract: Hyperhidrosis is due to an overfunction of eccrine glands (triggered by the autonomous nervous system) and may be a cofactor for palmoplantar eczema (dermatitis). Tapwater iontophoresis was used in 54 patients with hyperhidrosis manuum et pedum. After 10 applications directed by the dermatologist, 89% of patients noted an improvement in their hyperhidrosis. 20 patients suffering from palmoplantar eczema (dermatitis) who continued the treatment at home for at least 6 months were compared with a historical sex- and age-matched group of 20 eczema-patients without iontophoresis: The factors evaluated were the time needed for clearing and the relapse-free interval. Though iontophoresis-treated patients had a slightly faster clearing, this was statistically not significant (20 vs. 22.3 days; p > 0.05). However, the difference for relapse-free interval between the two groups was statistically highly significant (24.8 weeks vs. 8.35 weeks; p < 0.0001). Tapwater iontophoresis seems to be effective not only to control sweating. According to recently published data, galvanization seems to have a capsaicin-like effect as well. Our hypothesis is therefore, that galvanization with tapwater iontophoresis interrupts the neurogenic inflammation and prolongs the relapse-free interval in hyperhidrotic palmoplantar eczema (dermatitis).
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wollina
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Uhlemann
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elstermann
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Köber
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Barta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D011146:Eczema, Dyshidrotic / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water