[A misunderstood treatment for hyperhidrosis: ionization. Principles, material, methodology, early results].

Based on a new and specific apparatus developed by one of the authors, an original method of treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, either essential or associated with acrocyanosis, is described in detail. The extremities to be treated are placed in tanks containing tap water ensuring conduction fo current between epidermis and electrode. The recommended current of 20 milli-amperes is obtained by adjustment of a potentiometer. Treatment sessions (20 minutes for hands or feet, 40 for all four extremities) take place with a well defined frequency: 3 the first week, 2 the second, I the following two weeks. Maintenance sessions are necessary when sweating recurs. In a longitudinal series of 29 patients, 28 (96.5%) were significantly improved. From the 5th session onwards, the decrease in hyperhidrosis was evaluated by patients as very pronounced in 5 cases (17.2%) and as complete in 21 cases (72.5%). In 5 of the 6 patients with hyperhidrosis associated with acrocyanosis, the patients reported attenuation of cyanotic coloration of skin and relative warming up of extremities treated. Tolerance was excellent in 28 cases, incidents being rare and minor. Patients with pacemakers cannot be treated by this method.