Proposed mechanism of action of tap water iontophoresis for treatment of hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Tap water iontophoresis is commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis, yet the mechanism of action for this treatment remains unknown. Here, I propose a plausible mechanism of action based on the biology of the eccrine sweat gland, reported patterns in iontophoresis effectiveness, and known dynamics of small particles in fluid systems. Specifically, I propose that iontophoresis works via the production of a colloid formed between the products of dark (mucin) and clear (aqueous solution) cells, and the jamming of nanomineral particles inside the lumen and/or the duct of the sweat gland, creating a blockage that temporarily prevents further sweat production or secretion. I further outline several feasible tests of this hypothesis.

Keywords

• colloid
• hyperhidrosis
• iontophoresis
• mineral nanoparticles
• particle jamming
• tap water