Comparison of Tap Water and Normal Saline Iontophoresis in Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis: A Case Report

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tap water (drinking water) and normal saline (sodium chloride solution 0.9%) iontophoresis treatment for a patient with idiopathic hyperhidrosis [Subjects and Methods] In this study, tap water and normal saline iontophoresis were used to treat a 21 year-old female who was suffering from severe palmoplantar idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Post-iontophoresis sweat intensity of 8 treatment sessions were averaged and then normalized relative to the corresponding mean value which was obtained before iontophoresis treatment. [Results] The subject showed 24.72% and 42.01% decreases in sweat intensity following tap water and normal saline iontophoresis, respectively. [Conclusion] Tap water and normal saline iontophoresis are effective in the treatment of idiopathic hyperhidrosis. However, normal saline iontophoresis is 1.7 times more effective than tapwater iontophoresis at obstructing secretion.

Salt and skin

“…However, there are controversies regarding the use of tap water as a standard solution, since tap water varies in its ionic constituents according to the locality. In a comparative study done by Yaghobi et al, 24 normal saline iontophoresis was found to be 1.7 times more effective than tap water iontophoresis at obstructing secretion in primary hyperhidrosis.…”

Treatment of Axillary hyperhidrosis

“…Tap water can be replaced by aluminum chloride, anticholinergic agents, or botulinum toxin to achieve better results. Saline proved to be more effective than tap water in a study 56 . Patients who are pregnant, have metal implants, pacemakers or have epilepsy cannot take the treatment 18 .…”

“…Saline proved to be more effective than tap water in a study. 56 Patients who are pregnant, have metal implants, pacemakers or have epilepsy cannot take the treatment. 18 Transient vesiculation, redness, paresthesia, and discomfort are the side effects.…”

Axillary hyperhidrosis: An update

“…The combined use of anticholinergic agents, such as poldine methylsulfate and glycopyrronium bromide, can increase the effectiveness of iontophoresis. [27][28][29][30][31]…”