Contents
Iontophoresis is one of the treatments in the field of physiotherapy. It consists in introducing a medicine into the diseased place on the body, the absorption of which is accelerated by the flow of direct current. Iontophoresis is a short procedure – usually takes about ten minutes – and completely painless. The sensation that patients experience after applying the electrodes is compared to a tingling sensation. Read about the iontophoresis treatment, how to prepare for it and its side effects.
Iontophoresis – what is it?
Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of systemic and local drug delivery using an electric field. Iontophoresis allows the selected drug to diffuse through the skin, mucosa, enamel, dentin and other body tissues. The amount of therapeutic molecules delivered is approximately 10-2000 times greater than that of conventional forms of delivery.
This element of physiotherapy is used primarily in the treatment of bone fusion disorders, neuralgia, after injuries, as well as an additional treatment in the treatment of acne, scar contractures, candidiasis and joint degeneration. Iontophoresis of the larynx, neck and face is also used in cosmetology, as it helps to keep the skin firm, shrinks capillaries and has anti-wrinkle properties.
See: Rehabilitation – types, course, benefits. What is rehabilitation?
Iontophoresis – the operating mechanism of the treatment
Iontophoresis is a type of electrotherapy in which a particular drug is introduced deep into the tissues as a means of systemic and local drug application. Iontophoresis is based on the principle that in a given electric field, positively charged drug ions (cations) are repelled by the positive electrode (anode) and directed to the cathode. In turn, negative ions (anions, e.g. ketoprofen) repelled by the negative electrode (cathode) follow the anode.
The optimal molecules for use in iontophoresis are small and hydrophilic. The penetration of the medicinal substance occurs through the skin, sweat glands and sebaceous glands, which allows diffusion into the deeper layers of tissues even 48 hours after the treatment. Iontophoresis enables the delivery of approximately 10–2000 times more polar hydrophilic therapeutic molecules than the typical application of a drug substance to the skin surface.
List of preparations that are used during iontophoresis:
- Calcium chloride 1-2%,
- Diclofenac solution 2,5%,
- Furnished,
- Traumon,
- Diclofenac gel 1%,
- Ketaprofen 0,1% solution,
- Ketaprofen gel 2,5%,
- Ibuprofen 2,0% aqueous solution,
- Ibupforen gel 5%,
- Diclak,
- fasting
- Woltaren,
- Profenid,
- olfen,
- Piroxicam,
- Reparil.
Also read: Exercises for the cervical spine – types of exercises and how to perform them
Iontophoresis – the course of the procedure
The treatment begins with lubricating the affected area with a solution containing a properly selected drug. The electrodes are then placed on both sides and bandaged to hold the electrodes in place. A device that generates direct current is started.
At this point, most patients feel the so-called needles on the skin. This means that the current began to flow from one electrode to the other, and at the same time the absorption of the drug through the skin began. The treatment ends after a few minutes. The places where the electrodes have been applied may then be slightly red, sometimes patients also complain of a slight peeling of the skin. The iontophoresis treatment takes an average of 10 to 20 minutes.
See: The best exercises for weight loss – you will burn up to 600 kcal in half an hour!
Iontophoresis – contraindications
As with most physiotherapeutic procedures, there are contraindications to the use of iontophoresis. The most important of them is a history of cancer, which completely excludes all treatments using direct current, including iontophoresis. Also, heart diseases, including atherosclerosis, are a contraindication to the procedure. Iontophoresis should also not be performed by people with an implanted pacemaker.
Other contraindications to the iontophoresis procedure are:
- pregnancy, breastfeeding,
- inflammation of the body (fever),
- metal parts in the body and on the body (jewelry),
- allergy to galvanic current,
- acute acne with purulent lesions,
- cancers and conditions after their removal,
- bacterial, viral and fungal diseases of the skin,
- eczema and broken skin,
- dental purulent conditions,
- purulent conditions of the tonsils,
- possible allergy to drugs used in the procedure.
Before the procedure, you should also carefully review the composition of the drug used to check if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. The doctor should ask about all illnesses, wounds and allergies before offering iontophoresis.
Iontophoresis – opinions
Reviews about iontophoresis are overwhelmingly positive. Already after the first treatment, people complaining of neuralgia report alleviation of symptoms, in many cases iontophoresis brings immediate relief. In the case of cosmetic iontophoresis, it has been proven that the treatment leaves the skin smooth, closes the pores, and has a beneficial effect on the treatment of acne and other skin lesions.