Efficacy and safety of tap water iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tap water iontophoresis (TWI) for the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis in our local setting. Patients and methods: Thirteen patients of idiopathic palmoplantar hyperhidrosis were enrolled in the study from the Department of Dermatology, Lahore Medical and Dental College/Ghurki Hospital and Skin Clinic, Gulberg, Lahore from May 2009 to August 2012. Two patients dropped out, and the study was completed by eleven patients. The patients were treated with TWI three times a week for six weeks and followed up at twelve weeks. Each session lasted for 20 minutes, with the polarity being reversed after 10 minutes. The results were assessed by the hyperhidrosis disease severity index, improvement of sweating on a scale of I to IV and the starch-iodine test. Any adverse events were noted. Results: All the patients responded well to the treatment with minimal discomfort. Conclusion: Tap water iontophoresis is a safe, effective, inexpensive and affordable treatment modality for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. It improves quality of life significantly during treatment.