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Iontophoresis Anti Inflammatory Side Effect

For many, inflammation is an uncomfortable condition characterized by pain, burning and more. Medicinally, inflammation is treated with oral medications including steroids. Although steroids are extremely effective in treating inflammation they cause a vast number of side effects, that according to The Mayo Clinic, include glaucoma, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, mood swings, tarry stools and more. Consequently, iontophoresis was developed to help alleviate side effects of oral medications.

  1. What is Iontophoresis?

    • Iontophoresis involves the introduction of a steroidal medication being administered into the affected area through the skin using an electrical current. The procedure involves the anti-inflammatory medication being delivered into the inflammed area via the use of a small current of electricity that uses a current to propel the medication into the skin; no needle is used in the process.

      Eorthopad.com states that testing the efficacy of this procedure is difficult to measure; the only way to test whether or not the medication has been delivered to the area involves removal of the tissue from the body. In one study, however, researchers did exactly that. Patients were given the treatment before an operation which involved removal of part of the treated tissue. Once the removed tissue was tested, only half showed any traces of a steroid being present. Ultimately, researchers concluded that although it does not work for everyone (for unknown reasons), iontophoresis is effective in delivering the steroid.

    Common Side Effects

    • Pubmed.gov states that one study showed as iontophoresis involves the delivery of medication through the skin, side effects that are commonly experienced include but are not limited to: rash, tingling, burning and itching of affected area. The study also showed that the procedure dried the skin at transfer site, resulting in an insufficient amount; that could be causal to only half of the study group having evidence of the medication in the affected area.

    Less Common Side Effects

    • The International Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) Society, for which iontophoresis is being used, states that a rarer but not unheard of side effect is vesiculation, or bubbles in the skin. Another effect some experienced was erythema, or reddening of the skin. Both of these conditions can be treated effectively with hydrocortisone cream. In patients with allergies, side effects may be much worse if allergic to the medicine being administered. It is important to tell your physician of any allergies you may have.

    Side Effects vs. Benefit

    • For many, the transdermal (relating to the skin) side effects of iontophoresis do not outweigh the benefits of a steroidal treatment for inflammation. All side effects reported (with the exception of medication allergies) were related to skin issues and in most cases, not severe enough to warrant taking steroidal medication orally. Ultimately, using iontophoresis to deliver steroidal medications poses much less side effects than taking them orally.

    Tips

    • If you are considering iontophoresis, be aware that if you have any skin irritations or other skin ailments, to let your physician know prior to the procedure. There are a few medical creams that can be used before the procedure to insure that area of the skin does not get affected by the procedure.

      Iontophoresis is gaining popularity as it has been approved by the FDA in effectively treating hyperhidrosis. As time passes, the benefits of administering drugs via iontophoresis may build momentum as the side effects of many medications do not outweigh their benefits. Speak to your physician about the procedure if you experience inflammation and take oral steroids.

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