A Novel Method of Delivering Tap Water Galvanism for Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Case Report

• Published in: Hand therapy 2008-06, Vol.13 (2), p.40-44
• Main Authors: W Bellew, James, M Baker, Ryan, Williams, Juliet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1758-9983; 1369-9571; 1758-9991
• DOI: 10.1177/175899830801300201

Use of tap water galvanism (TWG) in the management of hyperhidrosis (HH) is supported by the literature. However, many therapists are unaware of their ability to treat HH. This report describes the use of an iontophoresis device for delivery of TWG in the management of primary focal palmar HH. Two males with chronic primary focal HH and no prior treatment received direct current mediated tap water galvanism for 10 sessions (five x per week for two weeks). Quantitative measures of sweat production were taken before and after intervention by gravimetric assessment, while qualitative measures of area and density of sweat production were made using the Minor starch-iodine and ninhydrine amino acid reactivity tests. Participant 1 demonstrated an average decrease in sweat production of 85 per cent, while Participant 2 demonstrated an average decrease of 54 per cent. Qualitative assessments demonstrated a substantial reduction in the area and density of sweat production in each participant. While use of direct current mediated tap water galvanism is well documented, most reports have used specialised devices not common or available to most clinicians. Because many clinicians have access to iontophoresis devices and these devices generate direct current, they may be used to render tap water galvanism. This report describes the efficacious use of such application in two participants with primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis.