A
Amperage
- Definition: Amperage, measured in amperes (A), indicates the strength of an electric current.
- Importance: Amperage levels in iontophoresis devices typically range from low to moderate, measured in milliamperes. The selected amperage affects the intensity and effectiveness of treatment, with higher levels often producing faster results but potentially more discomfort.
Anode and Cathode
- Definition: The anode is the positive electrode, while the cathode is the negative electrode.
- Importance: Knowing the role of each electrode helps patients understand how polarity switching works during treatment. The positive and negative charges interact with the body to create pH shifts, making polarity important for managing comfort and safety during sessions.
C
Circuit
- Definition: A circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows. It includes components such as power sources, conductors, and loads.
- Importance: In iontophoresis devices, the circuit is essential for delivering current to the treatment area. The setup typically includes an electric source (the device), connectors, and water trays or electrodes that complete the circuit and allow current to flow through the water and the skin.
Conductivity
- Definition: Conductivity is the ability of a material or solution to allow the flow of electric current.
- Importance: Water conductivity affects how effectively current is transferred during iontophoresis. Tap water with moderate mineral content typically has enough conductivity for treatment, while very pure or distilled water may require added minerals to function properly.
Current Density
- Definition: Current density refers to the amount of electric current flowing per unit area of the electrode.
- Importance: High current density can result in discomfort, hot spots, or skin irritation. Iontophoresis devices are designed to optimize current density for a safe and comfortable experience. Larger electrodes distribute current over a wider area, reducing current density and making treatment more comfortable.
D
Direct Current (DC)
- Definition: Direct Current is an electric current that flows in one direction consistently without reversing its course.
- Importance: DC is used in iontophoresis to create a continuous flow of electric charge. This mode is particularly effective for treating hyperhidrosis. It provides fast results but requires careful control to avoid potential skin irritation or pH imbalances.
E
Electromotive Force (EMF)
- Definition: The voltage generated by an iontophoresis device, which creates the force that drives the current through the circuit.
- Importance: EMF helps patients grasp how the device's power setting correlates to treatment intensity. Higher EMF may lead to more robust treatment but must be used with caution.
H
Hydrolysis Reaction
- Definition: A chemical reaction involving water, where an electrical current splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen ions.
- Importance: Hydrolysis can affect the pH level of the water used in the treatment trays. An understanding of this process can help patients recognize why some devices use additives or barriers to control pH levels.
I
Ion Migration
- Definition: The movement of ions in response to an electric field during iontophoresis.
- Importance: This term explains why iontophoresis can help reduce hyperhidrosis; the migration of ions disrupts sweat gland activity and may help decrease sweat production over time.
M
Milliampere (mA)
- Definition: A milliampere is one-thousandth of an ampere, which is the unit of electric current. It measures the flow of electric charge.
- Importance: In iontophoresis treatments, the current level is often measured in milliamperes. The adjustable range of mA allows users to customize the intensity of treatment based on their comfort level and the area being treated. For example, higher mA settings can deliver faster results but may be less comfortable for sensitive users, while lower mA settings offer a gentler experience.
O
Ohm’s Law
- Definition: A fundamental principle of electrical circuits, stating that the current (I) is equal to the voltage (V) divided by the resistance (R) (I = V/R).
- Importance: Understanding Ohm’s Law can help patients realize how adjustments in voltage or resistance influence current levels, which can affect the treatment's comfort and efficacy.
P
pH-Balance
- Definition: pH balance refers to maintaining a stable pH level, typically close to neutral (pH 7), in the skin or solution being treated.
- Importance: A balanced pH during iontophoresis is important to avoid discomfort or damage to the skin. Devices that use pH-balancing barriers or techniques help maintain safe treatment sessions by preventing significant pH shifts. However, if the barrier is too thin or not permeable enough, it may result in skin irritation.
pH-Shift
- Definition: A pH shift occurs when the natural pH level of the skin or the solution changes due to chemical reactions, such as those caused by electric current.
- Importance: During iontophoresis, the application of current can change the pH levels at the electrode surface. If the pH becomes too acidic or too alkaline, it can lead to skin irritation or burns. Managing pH shifts is essential to maintain comfort and safety during treatment.
Polarity
- Definition: Polarity refers to the orientation of electrical flow, either positive (+) or negative (-).
- Importance: In iontophoresis, switching the polarity helps manage the buildup of pH changes on the skin's surface. Devices may switch polarity during a session to balance the treatment, ensuring that each extremity receives equal amounts of the positive side.
Pulsed Current
- Definition: Pulsed current is an electric current that flows intermittently, turning on and off in a pattern or pulse.
- Importance: Pulsed current (PC) is often used as an alternative to Direct current (DC) in iontophoresis devices for patients who find continuous current uncomfortable. The breaks between pulses help reduce the intensity felt on the skin, making treatment more tolerable for those with sensitive skin or lower pain thresholds. However, because PC is a less consistent delivery of the current, results may not be as consistent compared to DC.
R
Resistance
- Definition: Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).
- Importance: Body chemistry and the condition of the skin can affect resistance during iontophoresis. Devices with built-in features to monitor and respond to resistance levels help maintain consistent treatment and prevent issues like short-circuiting or overheating.
T
Transdermal Drug Delivery
- Definition: The method of administering medication across the skin through the use of electrical current in iontophoresis.
- Importance: While iontophoresis is commonly used for hyperhidrosis, it is also used in medical settings for transdermal drug delivery. Patients exploring these options should be aware of how the treatment is adapted for medication absorption.
V
Voltage (V)
- Definition: Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points and is measured in volts (V). It represents the force that pushes electric current through a circuit.
- Importance: The voltage in iontophoresis devices determines how strongly the current is pushed through the water and into the skin. Devices with adjustable voltage allow users to control treatment intensity to avoid discomfort or skin irritation. The effectiveness and safety of treatment can be influenced by the voltage setting.
pH-Balance
- Definition: pH balance refers to maintaining a stable pH level, typically close to neutral (pH 7), in the skin or solution being treated.
- Importance: A balanced pH during iontophoresis is important to avoid discomfort or damage to the skin. Devices that use pH-balancing barriers or techniques help maintain safe treatment sessions by preventing significant pH shifts. However, if the barrier is too thin or not permeable enough, it may result in skin irritation.
pH-Shift
- Definition: A pH shift occurs when the natural pH level of the skin or the solution changes due to chemical reactions, such as those caused by electric current.
- Importance: During iontophoresis, the application of current can change the pH levels at the electrode surface. If the pH becomes too acidic or too alkaline, it can lead to skin irritation or burns. Managing pH shifts is essential to maintain comfort and safety during treatment.
Polarity
- Definition: Polarity refers to the orientation of electrical flow, either positive (+) or negative (-).
- Importance: In iontophoresis, switching the polarity helps manage the buildup of pH changes on the skin's surface. Devices may switch polarity during a session to balance the treatment, ensuring that each extremity receives equal amounts of the positive side.
Pulsed Current
- Definition: Pulsed current is an electric current that flows intermittently, turning on and off in a pattern or pulse.
- Importance: Pulsed current (PC) is often used as an alternative to Direct current (DC) in iontophoresis devices for patients who find continuous current uncomfortable. The breaks between pulses help reduce the intensity felt on the skin, making treatment more tolerable for those with sensitive skin or lower pain thresholds. However, because PC is a less consistent delivery of the current, results may not be as consistent compared to DC.
Resistance
- Definition: Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).
- Importance: Body chemistry and the condition of the skin can affect resistance during iontophoresis. Devices with built-in features to monitor and respond to resistance levels help maintain consistent treatment and prevent issues like short-circuiting or overheating.
Transdermal Drug Delivery
- Definition: The method of administering medication across the skin through the use of electrical current in iontophoresis.
- Importance: While iontophoresis is commonly used for hyperhidrosis, it is also used in medical settings for transdermal drug delivery. Patients exploring these options should be aware of how the treatment is adapted for medication absorption.
Voltage (V)
- Definition: Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points and is measured in volts (V). It represents the force that pushes electric current through a circuit.
- Importance: The voltage in iontophoresis devices determines how strongly the current is pushed through the water and into the skin. Devices with adjustable voltage allow users to control treatment intensity to avoid discomfort or skin irritation. The effectiveness and safety of treatment can be influenced by the voltage setting.