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Questions & Answers on Iontophoresis

The following FAQs provide first practical guidance to interested patients and users. They neither replace information or support by a medical professional nor the comprehensive instructions contained in the associated user manuals for our devices.

What are the contraindications?

Iontophoresis must not be used in the following cases:
• pacemaker
• implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• pregnancy
• metal-containing intrauterine pessary (only relevant in case of feet treatment)
• metallic implants or other conductive objects present in the current path
• pathologically altered skin or large skin defects (wounds) that cannot be covered with petroleum jelly
• palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia) • User/s with neurological diseases (e.g. epilepsy or limited sensitivity)
• malignant disorders in the area of application
• severe local inflammation or thrombosis (blood clots)
• severe vascular disorders
• small children (up to 6 years)

Does the current flow make the tap water Iontophoresis treatment painful or unpleasant? 

You are dealing with a weak direct current which - depending on the body region and individual sensation - you adjust until you sense a typical tingling sensation. More current is not required for your therapeutic success. Simply start with a low current strength and gradually move up. It is important to first cover open sores with a creme as the unprotected skin is significantly more sensible to current flow.

What side effects can occur?

Tap water iontophoresis is considered to have very few side effects. Follow the instructions in the user manual to exclude unnecessary side effects as a result of incorrect use. The following side effects can occur:
• a tingling and burning sensation during the treatment caused by excessive current settings or open areas of the skin
• slight, but harmless, shocks when treatment is interrupted
• dry skin or itching after the treatment
• short-term reddening of the skin following the treatment, among other things as a result of stimulated circulation (hyperemia) or through higher current densities along the water line
• reversible blistering
• electricity burns or current marks due to high punctual current strengths (e.g. direct skin contact with the electrode)

When does tap water Iontophoresis show its effect?

The onset of the sweat reducing effect varies from individual to individual. Assuming a consistent application in the early stage, a visible improvement is usually apparent after about one week. For information on the general prospects of success, we refer to the additional links. 

For a rapid onset of the effect, it is paramount in any case to maintain a sufficiently high current intensity, to conduct every individual treatment for a sufficient time and to have several regular individual sessions per week - especially in the initial phase. Simply follow the instructions provided in the user manual.

Do I need special water?

No, regular tap water, where ions occur naturally, is totally sufficient.

Why can I alter the direction of current?

The effect of the tap water Iontophoresis is somewhat more pronounced on the electrode side, where the current flows from the unit through the electrode into the body. In order to achieve a uniform sweat-reducing effect on both parts of the body, the direction of current should be altered from session to session. On the other hand, it may be sensible to start with a constant direction of current at the onset of the therapy, so as to sooner be able to establish a positive therapeutic outcome at least on one part of the body. 

What cost will the health insurance cover?

Unfortunately, there is no regulated entitlement for payment by the health insurances. By submitting a prescription from your attending physician you can turn to your health insurance and apply for cost coverage.

Alternatively, you can purchase the unit at your own expense from us as manufacturer. 

What is the physician‘s role if I purchase the unit myself and apply it in home therapy?

All information contained on our site as well as in the user manuals does not replace the medical professional diagnosis and therapy monitoring. The physician ensures that the disease is correctly diagnosed and the causes are correctly associated. Moreover, the physician selects from the multitude of possible therapies available today the one suitable for the according patient and monitors his or her therapeutic success.