Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis

Medication is ’driven’ through the skin by an electromotive force.

Uses electromotive force of DC generator.

Electrical repulsive force between the charged ions and the electrode of the same polarity  pushes ions through the skin via pore pathways (hair follicles and sweat glands)

Therapeutic effect depends on ions used.

Ions used:
Dexamethasone; glucocorticoid; iodine; penicillin; gentamicin; histamine; hydrocortisone; lignocaine; tap water

Tap water:
• used to suppress sweating on palms and soles
• induces formation of keratin in the sweat glands