Application of electrophoresis in cosmetology. Procedure, indications and contraindications.

What is iontophoresis?

In general, iontophoresis refers to the change in the direction of movement of charged ions under the influence of a weak current.
The phenomenon is used not only in cosmetology, but also in scientific research, medical practice and other areas. During beauty procedures, it is combined with the use of drugs with a specific effect. Manipulation works in 2 directions:

1. 1. Skin, hair, nails and other tissues in the human body are characterized by relatively low conductivity. But moist environments - blood, lymph, intercellular fluid - conduct current well. During the procedure, they allow impulses to affect nerve endings and force the body to reflexively respond to an external stimulus. The patient's blood vessels dilate, the flow of lymph and blood accelerates. Nutrient metabolism returns to normal. Their concentration in cells increases, and regeneration processes are more active.
2. 2. Iontophoresis, due to its effect on the movement of ions, allows you to concentrate useful compounds in the required areas. Applied drugs with ionized components, under the influence of a multipolar current, move into the tissue and directly realize their potential there. Thus, the procedure helps to selectively act on damaged areas and launch their restoration processes.

What is electrophoresis and what is it used for?

A popular technique used by cosmetologists involves the movement of charged particles in an electric field created by a special apparatus. It is carried out by introducing medicinal substances using current. Nourishes, saturates the skin with missing elements, eliminates various external defects of the epidermis through the action of active components in the deep layers.

The technology is based on the use of low voltage direct current. Simultaneous exposure to galvanic current and the drug is assumed. It is possible to use several medicinal compositions at once. The ions move towards poles of opposite polarity. This ensures the transport of beneficial substances and their distribution in the epidermis. The voltage is set individually in each case.

The permissible exposure range is from 30 to 80 V. Current strength is up to 50 mA.

In cosmetology, it is most often used to eliminate defects on the face and restore the condition of the skin. Saturates the skin with missing components. Relieves skin diseases that cause discomfort and significantly worsen appearance. As a result, the skin becomes healthy, tightened, and the elasticity lost with age is restored.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, impulses affect the dermal layers - upper and middle. Low voltage is supplied through multipolar electrodes attached to the patient's body.

Positively charged ions in this case affect microcirculation, normalize sebum production, relieve muscle tension and work well with acidic compounds.

Alkaline cocktails interact with negative ones. Participation in the procedure of both contributes to deep cleansing of the integument, cell nutrition and rejuvenation.

When the body is exposed to the created field, the permeability of the epidermal membranes increases. Beauty cocktails applied to the skin easily penetrate damaged cells and work more effectively than any conventional cream.

The disadvantages of such manipulation are only temporary results. To maintain the effect, sessions will have to be repeated.

How effective is iontophoresis?

What affects the effectiveness of the method? Can iontophoresis treatment be considered key? The procedure helps a person in two ways: firstly, exposure to direct current disrupts electrical conductivity processes in the ducts of the apocrine glands, and secondly, as a result of galvanization, a so-called plug is formed in the lumen of the apocrine gland. But no studies have yet been conducted to confirm the validity and effectiveness of these changes.

To understand how effective the procedure is and how often it really helps, you need to focus on the reviews of people who have tried it on themselves.

Anton, 36 years old:

“All my life I have been terribly embarrassed about sweating profusely. Later, doctors diagnosed me with hyperhidrosis. And palms, and feet, and armpits. This problem has acutely confronted me since I was 15 years old. It caused a lot of inconvenience. Already in adulthood, I decided to fight this phenomenon, read a lot of relevant literature and decided to focus on iontophoresis. Previously, I only used deodorants, but the effect from them only lasted for two weeks. I did not buy an iontophoresis device, but simply went to the clinic. I knew in advance that this could not help everyone, but I still took the risk. And I was lucky, this method became my salvation. But you have to take repeated courses every few months.”

Vadim, 26 years old:

“Since my youth, I suffered from the fact that my palms and soles of my feet were constantly wet. This was especially evident during excitement or during port activities. Even a simple handshake with a friend became an extraordinary and terrible event for me. I learned about iontophoresis from a friend and, on his recommendation, signed up for the procedure. After the first course, sweating on the palms decreased. But the procedure has to be repeated constantly, and if you skip the course, the original problem returns in full. But I would like to completely forget about hyperhidrosis.”

Olga, 32 years old:

“I have hyperhidrosis of the armpits, and for a woman this is just a disaster. Discomfort and the constant desire to take a shower can ruin anyone's mood. I was looking for an effective method to get rid of this problem for a long time until I heard about the iontophoresis procedure. Sweating, of course, has decreased. But there is still no significant result. Alas. Although I purchased the device for personal use, even if only slightly, I can now control the attacks of sweating.”

A large number of people with hyperhidrosis have already been convinced of the effectiveness of iontophoresis. It is safe and financially accessible to many. Therefore, doctors often begin treating excessive sweating with this procedure, and only if there is no desired effect, they resort to invasive methods, such as Botox injections or clipping of sympathetic nerve trunks.

What cosmetic products are used?

Any beauty cocktail will not be suitable for the procedure.
In iontophoresis, special polarized preparations are used, and they are intended only for one of the electrodes. The packaging usually indicates the corresponding marking - “-” or “+”. The composition of the products depends on the purpose:

• moisturizers include hyaluronic acid;
• anti-aging contain ascorbic, nicotinic acids, aloe extract, vitamin B12;
• nutritious foods are prepared on the basis of vitamin E and plant extracts;
• For problem skin, products with salicylic acid, zinc, and sulfur are suitable;
• Caffeine and purine get rid of a double chin.

For a comprehensive solution to problems, the compounds are mixed. It is more convenient to choose water-based products for this - they combine more easily and penetrate the skin better.

You only need to remember one thing: the ions in the ingredients must be unipolar.

The variety of products does not mean that if you try to repeat the manipulation at home, you will have to purchase the entire arsenal of a cosmetology salon. You can also use ordinary ingredients, the main thing is to understand their properties. So, a 1-3% soda solution is suitable for cleansing the skin. It dissolves sebum well and gets rid of blackheads.

Recommendations

If you have decided to use an iontophoresis device at home, but have not sought advice from a specialist, then you need to remember several main steps:

1. The drugs you will use during iontophoresis must be either water-based or highly soluble in water. It is strictly forbidden to use products that contain fat or alcohol emulsion.
2. For each electrode charge, both positive and negative, there is a specific list of acceptable drugs. Substances whose charge is o can only be introduced with a positive electrode, and with “-”, respectively, only with a negative one.
3. It is better to use only single-component substances and alternate them in courses. This way you can avoid unwanted complications. As iontophoresis is used, the injected substances accumulate in the deep layers of the skin and a figurative depot appears. If substances are used in the form of a cocktail, then the condition must be observed that there are no more than three of them at a time, and they all must be of the same polarity.

Indications and contraindications

The main indication for performing iontophoresis in a beauty salon is the patient’s desire.

But manipulation is effective when trying:

• get rid of age spots, even out complexion;
• reduce swelling, bags under the eyes;
• moisturize or nourish the integument;
• smooth out small wrinkles, tighten the oval and add tone;
• cleanse the skin, reduce sebum production and reduce pores;
• make scars and rosacea less visible;
• lose weight in certain areas.

In a general sense, the procedure can be considered an analogue of mesotherapy, only without the unpleasant sensations. Depending on the chosen cocktail and the skill of the cosmetologist, manipulations eliminate almost the entire range of appearance defects.

And the contraindications for iontophoresis are the same:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• the presence of malignant neoplasms;
• acute diseases of the integument and chronic during the period of exacerbation, violation of the integrity of the skin;
• problems with the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
• mental disorders;
• the body's tendency to excessive tissue scarring;
• any other diseases in the acute phase, fever.

The procedure is also contraindicated for people with electrical intolerance and patients with metal implants in the treated area.

The principle of action of iontophoresis and indications for its use

If we translate the term “iontophoresis” into understandable language, we get the following phrase – transportation (delivery) of ions. This procedure is based on the effect of a unique complex - electric current plus medications or cosmetics - on the skin of the face or the whole body.

In the twentieth century, after long-term research into the procedure of iontophoresis (also called electrophoresis or galvanization), it was proven that a current of low strength and voltage affects the cell membrane, changing its properties. Under its influence, the permeability of the skin increases, the basal metabolism is activated and regeneration processes are launched.

If electric current is used not as a single procedure, but in combination with certain drugs, the formation of ions occurs - particles with a plus sign. Ions, penetrating into the skin layers to a depth of 5 mm, serve as conductors for the active components of cosmetic products. Thus, a depot of substances is formed in the dermis of the skin, which gradually penetrate all cells and improve their functioning.

With the help of iontophoresis, you can not only administer medicinal substances, but also remove dead cells, excess sebum and dirt particles. To do this, the skin is treated with alkaline solutions and galvanized.

To carry out the iontophoresis procedure, an anode or cathode of an electrolytic ion is used. The anode is necessary for introducing acidic solutions into the skin, designed to strengthen skin tissue, normalize microcirculation, and relax areas of tension. Most often, a positively charged manipulator is used to narrow pores, relieve redness after various cosmetic procedures, swelling and inflammation.

Using the cathode, alkaline solutions are introduced, which soften the skin, improve blood flow in it, and activate nerve endings. Most often, the procedure is performed to improve the condition of mature or oily skin.

In addition to local effects, home iontophoresis also has a general effect on the human body. The electrical current also stimulates the nerve endings in the skin tissue. Electrical impulses reach the brain, providing a calming effect and improving overall well-being.

Carrying out the procedure in the salon

Before the manipulation, the specialist conducts a survey and examination.
At this stage, you need to honestly talk about the existing contraindications, so as not to further harm the body. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, the patient is placed on a couch or offered to sit in a chair. The skin is thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, lubricated with conductive gel. The entire face or just the treated area is covered with a fabric compress soaked in a beauty cocktail. Afterwards, the area is exposed to an active electrode for 5-15 minutes - simply moved over the surface. No pain should be expected; to the patient, the manipulation seems like a light massage.

After the compress is removed, the remaining gel is removed. To consolidate the result, the procedure is usually completed with a mask according to indications, and then sent home. The person does not require any recovery.

Where are such procedures performed?

Despite the fact that physiotherapeutic procedures have recently become the same home remedy as a hair dryer or an electric toothbrush, it is advisable to undergo at least the first session with a cosmetologist. No special preparation is required here, except perhaps take a shower and refrain from taking strong medications. If you have previously been examined for hyperhidrosis and the test results are included in your medical record, great, you can show them to your doctor. But if there are no records of this, it’s okay, usually they are not required.

Also, when going to physical therapy, do not wear metal jewelry - you will still have to remove it before the procedure, and after the session you may simply forget about it.

Do not be surprised that the most common tap water is used for treatment. Spring or boiled water is not used for this purpose. If soft water flows in your taps (you can determine this by how laundry soap behaves in it: in soft water it foams easily, and in hard water it forms thick white flakes), add table salt to it. Sometimes it becomes necessary to use medications, but only a doctor should choose and dose them. Water is poured into containers where the palms or feet are immersed, and the current is turned on.

The average duration of one physiotherapy session usually does not exceed 20-30 minutes. In some cases, the doctor may extend the procedure to 40 minutes. If the case of hyperhidrosis is not too advanced, 8-10 procedures are quite enough to forget about the problem for a long time. Unfortunately, the effect of such treatment is only temporary; the procedures will have to be repeated periodically. For some, one treatment per month is enough to maintain a normal level of sweating; for others, weekly treatment is required on an ongoing basis. In the second case, it is much more economical to purchase a special device and use it at a convenient time.

Carrying out the procedure at home

It’s easier and cheaper to conduct sessions at home, but you should take your actions seriously.

Do not ignore contraindications and follow each of the 6 steps.

1. Remove all jewelry containing metal from your head. These can be precious things and jewelry. Be sure to remove hairpins, bobby pins, and elastic bands with metal elements from your hair.
2. Cleanse your skin. First, remove your makeup and wash your face with your usual product, then disinfect the treatment area. Regular chlorhexidine or alcohol-containing solutions are suitable for this.
3. If present, apply a product that increases current permeability. Such products add looseness to the epidermis. Cell membranes become more receptive and the applied serum penetrates better.
4. Take a piece of gauze. Fold several times and soak in soda solution. Apply a compress to your face. Give a 20-minute massage with an electrode with a negative charge, and then spend 2 minutes on a positive one. This will help further cleanse the skin of deep impurities.
5. Remove the compress and repeat the steps with gauze, moistening it in the active cocktail. For initial treatment, choose the electrode that matches the polarity of the solution. During the massage, hold the second one in your other hand through the protective pad.
6. Remove the compress. Wipe your skin with a moisturizing toner. Disinfect the electrodes.

Start with 5 minutes spent on active processing and monitor your condition. If there are discomfort and pain, refuse the artisanal procedure and trust a professional.

Selecting a device

The choice of devices for iontophoresis is extensive, but there should not be any particular difficulties in finding the right one.
If you are not ready to spend hours comparing parameters, when buying a device for home use, it makes sense to pay attention only to the clear controls and small size. SWI-STO II (III), Nevoton AK201 and several Gezatone models meet the requirements:

• M910 with basic functions;
• M775 with a bonus in the form of exposure to infrared rays - great for those with dry and aging skin;
• M708 with attachments for specific areas.

If you understand a little about the operating principles of the devices, look at the power, performance and shape of the electrodes.

Small ones – cone-shaped or oval – are comfortable for the face. Before purchasing, it is also useful to check quality certificates and study reviews of the seller on the Internet.

Still, you have to work with your face, and few people probably want to harm themselves in addition to their existing shortcomings.

What is this method, its benefits and disadvantages

Iontophoresis is a physiotherapeutic procedure used to treat hyperhidrosis for many decades. This method is absolutely safe for the human body. The principle of operation of iontophoresis is the effect of a weak direct current on the ion channels of the sweat glands.

The patient puts his hands, feet or other sweating parts of the body into baths of water, which also contain electrodes; under the control of the device, they generate a low-intensity galvanic current. The recommended session duration is from 20 to 40 minutes, the procedures must be performed daily (or every other day) for 10-14 days.

Thus, over time it is possible to get rid of local sweating. Modern iontophoresis devices are designed to treat local hyperhidrosis:

• Armpits;
• Stop;
• Palms;
• Necks and heads;
• Faces.

For use in the head, neck and armpit areas, electrodes that act on ion channels are located in special inserts or masks. And when using the method to influence the palms, feet and face, the electrodes are located in baths that need to be filled with water. It is worth noting that the second design option is more successful and effective, since water is an excellent conductor and envelops the entire surface of the body part placed in it.

In general, based on the results of research and practice of treatment with this method, it can be argued that iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis is extremely effective in more than 90% of cases, regardless of the cause of sweating.

The advantages of iontophoresis are that it:

1. Absolutely safe for the skin and does not affect the functioning of other organs.
2. Extremely effective, regardless of the cause of the pathology.
3. Non-invasive, that is, it does not involve the use of needles or other objects that pierce the skin.
4. Can be done at home.
5. It has virtually no contraindications or side effects.

Also, one can note the disadvantages of the method:

1. The high cost of both procedures in a medical institution and the device for home use.
2. It is used only for local sweating.
3. Relatively long and regular treatment.

Efficiency of the procedure

One session will bring results that are not very significant, but noticeable. After treatment, the skin seems to be nourished, toned and smoothed. Pores are noticeable less, it’s more pleasant to touch your face. The skin tone is evened out, the skin looks fresh and healthy.

Without systematic repetition of sessions, the effect will quickly disappear. To consolidate what has been achieved, you will have to attend an average of 10-15 procedures and repeat the course 2 times a month. But by the end, not a trace will remain of many imperfections.

Iontophoresis works great for:

• gray, dull complexion;
• dry and lifeless skin;
• floating oval, loss of firmness and elasticity;
• wrinkles, including on the eyelids and neck;
• scars, age spots, blackheads, enlarged pores and rashes;
• swelling.

Moreover, there should be no negative consequences if the technique is followed and there are no contraindications. Immediately after the session, only slight redness will remain, which will subside within an hour.

Preparations for iontophoresis

Cosmetics for iontophoresis at home can be used in a variety of ways: combined cocktails, gels, acids, vitamins, alkaline compounds and others. They differ not only in the operating principle itself, but also in the scope of application.

If you decide to use an anode during iontophoresis, you need to familiarize yourself with the main list of drugs that are intended specifically for the anode - a positively charged electrode:

1. Aloe juice, extract or gel.
2. Vitamins A, B, C, E. Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) and B1, B12 are most often used. The latter do an excellent job with age spots and wrinkles, and improve skin turgor. Vitamin C reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair.
3. Hyaluronidase.
4. Mud and clay help remove excess moisture from cells, cleanse pores and saturate the skin with essential mineral compounds.
5. Saline solution (sodium chloride solution 0.9%).
6. Copper sulfate.
7. Zinc hyaluronate.
8. Zinc sulfate.

The following substances are suitable for the cathode, a negatively charged electrode:

1. Ichthyol or unithiol (contain sulfur).
2. PHYBS.
3. Sodium salicylate.
4. Nicotinic acid (diluted 1:1 with water) and hyaluronic acid. The latter has established itself as one of the best means in the fight for the tone and youth of the epidermis. Nicotinic acid improves metabolism in the dermis and dilates blood vessels (due to which the complexion is evened out and toxins are eliminated).
5. Water-soluble hydrocortisone succinate.
6. Sodium benzonate (caffeine) – works on both “-” and “+”.
7. Ascorbic acid (diluted with water 1:1).

They also use special charged cosmetic substances for iontophoresis (for example, cocktails produced by the Beauty Style company), water-based masks moistened with appropriate solutions: collagen, hyaluronic acid, placental masks (the Chinese brand DIZAO is currently the top seller).

They enhance the effectiveness of the procedure and provide long-lasting effect. For greater clarity, special “galvanic” markings are placed on the packages - these are “-” and “+”, so you need to carefully monitor the designation.

Substances for iontophoresis are located in specialized tubes . Their shape and size correspond to the seats for installation in the device. The tips of the tubes have small indentations with a hole.

During the operation of iontophoresis, the required amount of substance flows out of the test tube, and the contact part of the device evenly distributes the product over the patient’s skin.

Price

It is difficult to name specific prices for iontophoresis. To solve each problem, drugs of different cost are used. The area of ​​influence differs from patient to patient, as does the number of sessions. On average, a one-time facial treatment in a salon will cost from 300 to 2000 rubles.

Carrying out the procedure at home is much more profitable. A compact device designed for independent use costs 1500-3000. For a couple of active drugs you will have to pay about the same. But you can use the set for up to six months, until the beauty cocktails run out. And all this for the price of 6 sessions with a cosmetologist.

Products for external use

To get rid of hyperhidrosis, you can grind oak bark and pour it into socks.

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis of the whole body, and decoctions are contraindicated for you or you don’t like the taste, then you should be interested in baths, which are also easy to prepare at home.

Sweet hop cones also have a positive effect. You can buy them in the same place as other herbal preparations, or you can simply add a liter and a half of beer to a warm bath. Lie in it for twenty minutes to half an hour. The duration of the course is two weeks.

Hydrophilic powders help get rid of sweaty feet forever. Grind the oak bark, pour it into your socks and go to bed - you don’t even need to brew anything. In the morning, wash your feet in cool water and dry thoroughly. Substitutes for oak bark can also be talc and starch.

There is another good way to combat sweaty feet - soda baths. Pour half a glass of soda into a regular foot basin and steam for ten to fifteen minutes. You can also make lotions from this solution for areas of the body most susceptible to hyperhidrosis.

Against sweaty palms, hand baths are used with the addition of ammonia in the proportion of 1 tsp. per liter of water. Soak your hands in the solution for a quarter of an hour, then wash them in cool water and wipe dry. In addition to ammonia, apple cider vinegar helps with excessive sweating of hands. Like a soda solution, you can use it to make lotions for the armpits

Do not overdo it and remain extremely careful - vinegar can cause skin burns and allergic reactions. Do not use vinegar undiluted with water!

In addition to the above remedies, foot and hand baths with the addition of sea salt or table salt are also effective. They are prepared in the same way as soda, but the basic proportions are slightly different - three to four tablespoons per liter of water.

If you are faced with facial hyperhidrosis, then it can also be cured at home. True, you should be extremely careful not to damage the skin around the eyes, nasal mucosa or lips. Prepare a lotion from sage, mint or lemon balm and oak bark. Stir three or four mint leaves, two tablespoons of sage, and one tablespoon of oak bark in half a liter of boiling water. Let it brew for an hour. After this, strain the resulting broth, add 100 grams of vodka or 40 grams of medical alcohol, and then put the resulting lotion in the refrigerator. Wipe your face with it as needed.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis can be purchased at the pharmacy

This method should be discussed separately. Iontophoresis devices can be purchased at a pharmacy and used to treat sweating at home. The meaning of the technology is that a weak electric current is passed through water. It allows medicinal substances to more easily penetrate the thickness of the skin. The specific method of use differs for each type of iontophoresis device, so read the instructions carefully.

Ideally, instead of relying entirely on yourself, you first consult with a physical therapist. He will determine the optimal current strength and set of drugs based on your individual characteristics of the body. After this, you can begin treatment at home. One session of iontophoresis is enough for a month or two, after which it is better to repeat the procedure.

How does iontophoresis differ from phonophoresis?

The principle of operation of both techniques is the same for the uninitiated person. They apply something to the skin, then act on it with something, and the result exceeds all expectations. But in the case of phonophoresis, the permeability and activity of drugs is increased not by current, but by ultrasound. The manipulation is similar to an ultrasound, but instead of a cool gel, the skin is lubricated with beauty cocktails.

Iontophoresis also affects the skin immediately. Patients see the effect, albeit incomplete, after the session. The effect of phonophoresis is cumulative and manifests itself gradually.

What devices are used for hyperhidrosis?

Electrophoresis

It is no exaggeration to say that everyone knows about electrophoresis: some from hearsay, others from personal experience. But few people probably know that this procedure is used to treat hyperhidrosis.

The therapeutic effect of electrophoresis is based on the introduction of medicinal substances into the body through the action of electric current. To eliminate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis (usually on the palms and soles), atropine sulfate is most often used.

The use of electrophoresis has its advantages and disadvantages.

The undeniable advantage is that after using it:

• There are no side effects;
• The skin is not damaged;
• There is no negative reaction from other organs.

At the same time, this method has a number of significant disadvantages:

• Eliminates only symptoms, but not the cause of the disease;
• Works best on a small application area;
• The effect gradually decreases, so the procedure has to be repeated;
• Not suitable for people with a low pain threshold.

Each electrophoresis session lasts about an hour. In total, treatment takes up to three months if you take the procedures without skipping three times a week.

Iontophoresis

The iontophoresis device is a bath with a solution of the drug. During the procedure, the skin is exposed to a low-power direct electric current, due to which the drugs begin to penetrate inside faster. Thus, inhibition of the activity of the sweat glands on the palms or soles is achieved.

The duration of one procedure does not exceed thirty to forty minutes. The attending physician decides how long they need to be carried out - usually from 10 days to two weeks. Before each session, the patient's skin is lubricated with Vaseline or cream. It is recommended to remove jewelry made from gold, silver and other metals during the procedure.

Iontophoresis quickly and very effectively eliminates sweating on the most vulnerable parts of the body:

• Scalp;
• Face;
• Neck;
• Palms;
• Stops;
• Armpits.

The use of iontophoresis has many advantages:

• This method is very effective regardless of the cause of hyperhidrosis;
• Does not irritate the skin and is completely safe for other organs;
• Does not cause a feeling of discomfort;
• Shown to almost everyone, with rare exceptions;
• So simple and safe that it can be done even at home.

The only disadvantages include:

• The significant cost of this method (not only the purchase of a device for personal needs, but also treatment in a hospital will cost a significant amount);
• Maintaining strict discipline and having free time;
• Small application area.

Drionik and other devices

The Drionik device for the treatment of hyperhidrosis is equipped with a current generator, baths for the palms and feet and special cassettes for the armpits. The device runs on batteries, is absolutely safe and is ideal for home use.

There are no side effects in the form of skin irritation and pain, which often occur after using similar devices, when working with the Drionik device, and the list of contraindications is so insignificant that we can safely recommend it to almost everyone, regardless of age, gender and concomitant diseases.

In addition to this device, you can now find many similar devices on sale, characterized by ease of use, convenience, high efficiency and, importantly, different prices. Among other devices we can recommend:

Among other devices we can recommend:

• SWI-STO II (German production);
• Sanitas SIS40 (another device made in Germany);
• AURORA Centical G7 +LA mente cpla (Japanese device);
• Galvanic iontophoresis GV-08;
• Physiotherapeutic combine MF 5.1.

They are based on the same principles of electro- and iontophoresis.

What to watch out for during the procedure

According to the instructions, this procedure should be carried out using a special iontophoresis gel. But these means are quite expensive, have a lot of contraindications and only slightly affect the result of the manipulations. It is better to eliminate unnecessary risks of developing allergies and use plain water, adding table soda to it if there is a need for additional ionization.

How safe is this procedure if carried out without medical supervision? Experts say that abuse of iontophoresis can lead to overcompensation and other undesirable consequences. But based on reviews from patients with hyperhidrosis, for whom this method did help, the main thing is to strictly adhere to the instructions.

There are also several categorical contraindications:

• Pregnancy at any stage.
• Installed pacemaker.
• Presence of metal implants.
• Inflammatory lesions on the skin, non-healing wounds in the treated area.
• Benign and malignant tumors.

Iontophoresis56

The procedure involves a combination of exposure to direct electric current and an ionized drug administered with it. Drug components in solution dissociate into charged hydrophilic complexes and ions.

When solutions are placed in an electric field, the ions they contain move to opposite poles, penetrate deep tissues and have a healing effect.

To correct sebum production, preparations containing B vitamins, sulfur, zinc, etc. are used.

Main differences between the two procedures

Let us consider in more detail the main differences between these procedures:

• Iontophoresis uses galvanic currents, and phonophoresis uses ultrasound.
• An iontophoresis session lasts about 20 minutes, but the active substances act faster. The phonophoresis procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes, but provides longer absorption of drugs.
• Phonophoresis is a painless procedure that is performed using a special probe. Iontophoresis requires the connection of electrodes and may cause unpleasant tingling sensations.
• There is a risk of burns when performing iontophoresis. Phonophoresis is a relatively safe technique.