Evaluating the effectiveness of iontophoresis as a type of treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis.

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Iontophoresis, on patients of 18 years of age and above, as a treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis.

Research and Method

A retrospective study was conducted at a particular local private clinic in Malta. Thirty participants suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis who have undergone the treatment of Iontophoresis were recruited. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Score (HDSS) together with some additional questions were used to evaluate the severity of the condition before and after the treatment.

Results

More female (83.3%) than male (16.7%) participants that took part in this study since the sample selection was convenient sample. The most common age group in which participants belonged to was that of the age between 18 and 25 with a percentage of 43.3%. There was no exceptional difference concerning whether or not the participants had any relatives with hyperhidrosis (difference of 6. 7%). According to the chi-square test, results proved that the treatment had a positive outcome when developing a personal relationship (p=0.009), situations at work (p=0.016), family occasions (p=0.042) and when public situations (p=0.005) are concerned. Also, the HDSS score proved to be statistically significant (p=0.005) that is, there was an improvement in the severity of the condition after the treatment of Iontophoresis. The alternative hypothesis was thus accepted.

Conclusion

The treatment of Iontophoresis can be used as an alternative modality in the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis. This treatment not only can be made available more widely in private practice but may also be introduced in primary health care, especially in Podiatry Health Centers. For this to happen, awareness of such treatment modality and the condition itself is a must, as this medical condition is often overlooked. More research about the effects of Iontophoresis as a treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis should be encouraged since to date none to very little research is currently available.