Indications for Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis, also called ion transfer, is a method of medical treatment that involves use of direct current to deliver medication through a patient's skin. This is a treatment method that has been in use since the 19th century. It is used to treat indications such as musculoskeletal pains and arthritis conditions.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Injection of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug, through iontophoresis is one way to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as tendonitis. To treat musculoskeletal conditions, the drug must be in the form of a solution. In this soluble form, the person administering the treatment can push the drug's negatively charged ions through the patient's skin with the negatively charged iontophoresis electrode.

Localized Inflammations

• Iontophoresis procedures are useful in treating local inflammations typical in arthritic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis of the knee, as well. Iontophoresis can be used to send a drug directly to the area of inflammation. This treatment works best when the area to which the treatment is to be delivered is close to the surface area that the electrode used to deliver the treatment can reach. The drug gets more diluted if it has to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Iontophoresis Benefits and Preparation

• Iontophoresis treatment has its benefits. For one, it is not an invasive procedure. Since only very small amounts of the drug get inside the patient, the side effects are minimal. As well, using this procedure is a way to avoid infection and the discomfort of injections. The healthcare professional administering the iontophoresis treatment should first thoroughly clean with alcohol the patient's skin area where he will place the electrodes. He should place the electrode as close as possible to the tissue that will be treated, on a relatively flat skin surface. Then he should prepare the electrodes for the iontophoresis procedure.