Private Tap Water Iontophoresis and Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

Tap water iontophoresis is a drug-free treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). It involves passing a small electrical current into your skin while it’s immersed in a tray of water.

At a glance

  • Consultation required
  • Self Referral
  • Next-day availability
  • Paediatric Patients Aged 0+ Seen
  • Health insurance
  • Self-Pay Available

What is tap water iontophoresis?

Tap water iontophoresis is a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the hands, feet and underarms. It involves passing a small electrical current into the affected part of your body that’s immersed in a tray of water.  

It’s not known exactly how tap water iontophoresis works, but it’s thought that the electrical current and the mineral particles in the water combine to form a physical plug to block sweat ducts. 

In our Skin Health centre, our specialist consultants offer tap water iontophoresis as a safe, effective and drug-free treatment for hyperhidrosis. 

Paediatrics

We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 0 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.

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Botox for hyperhidrosis involves having a series of small injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into areas where you sweat excessively, such as your armpits or hands. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, preventing them from overworking and producing excessive sweat.

Botox for hyperhidrosis is a quick, effective procedure that requires no recovery time and can reduce sweating by up to  90%. You can usually start to feel the effects within a week, and the benefits last an average of 6 months. Treatment can also be repeated if necessary.

Tap water iontophoresis

At Welbeck, we have the latest iontophoresis machines, and our expert nurses will show you how the treatment is performed. If your sweating is reduced, you can buy a machine to use at home. A session normally lasts around 20 minutes. 

During the appointment: 

  • you’ll be asked to remove any jewellery, and any cuts will be covered with paraffin

  • your hands or feet will be immersed in a small tray of water

  • an electrical current will be turned on to a level at which you’re comfortable. This is usually increased gradually over a few sessions

Botox

Botox is injected just below the skin’s surface using a tiny needle. You’ll receive several injections in a grid-like pattern. It only takes about 15 minutes to complete the treatment. 

During your Botox for hyperhidrosis treatment: 

  • your consultant may use ice or a local anaesthetic to numb the area to be treated and reduce any discomfort

  • an iodine solution and starch powder are applied to the area to be treated to identify the areas where you sweat

  • your consultant will inject small amounts of Botox into your skin 

  • you can go home immediately after your treatment

Tap water iontophoresis and Botox are safe, non-surgical treatments, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that side effects can occur. Your consultant will explain all the possible side effects of your treatment before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible side effects of tap water iontophoresis include: 

  • a slight tingling, prickling, stinging or burning sensation 

  • mild skin redness  

  • skin dryness

  • thickening of your skin 

  • small blisters, bruising or a mild electric shock (uncommon) 

  • mild burns (if metal parts are touched during the treatment)  

Possible side effects of Botox include: 

  • mild pain, tenderness, bleeding, bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site

  • temporary drooping of your eyelids or eyebrows

  • dry or watery eyes

  • dry mouth

  • headache or mild flu-like symptoms  

  • infection 

  • allergic reaction

Your dermatologist will give you instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. These include ensuring your skin is clean, dry and free from any cuts or abrasions. Don’t apply any skincare products or makeup to your skin before your procedure. 

To prepare for Botox for hyperhidrosis, your consultant may ask you to shave your underarm hair a few days before your appointment and then avoid shaving or using deodorant for 24 hours before your treatment session. You may want to wear dark-coloured clothing to your appointment as an iodine solution will be applied to your skin, which may stain your clothes.

Tell your dermatologist about any medications you take regularly and any medical conditions or allergies you have.

Tap water iontophoresis and Botox are quick, non-surgical procedures that require no recovery time. You can go home and resume normal activities, including driving and returning to work, straight after your procedure. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please get in touch for advice.

Please get in touch with our Skin Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

We accept both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals for this treatment. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our locations

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London

1 Welbeck Street
Marylebone
London
W1G 0AR

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Frequently asked questions

Though highly effective treatments for hyperhidrosis, tap water iontophoresis and Botox are not suitable for everyone. Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, if you are (or could be) pregnant, or are breastfeeding, before your treatment. 

Tap water iontophoresis may not be suitable for you if you: 

  • are pregnant

  • have certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or heart arrhythmias

  • have a metal device in your body, like a contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD) or pacemaker

Botox may not be suitable for you if you: 

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding 

  • have certain medical conditions, such as myasthenia gravis

Tap water iontophoresis isn’t a permanent cure for hyperhidrosis, but the results are often long-lasting. You will usually start with frequent sessions, such as 3 to 5 times a week for several weeks. Once your sweating is under control, you can reduce the frequency of your treatments and will typically have a maintenance session every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your individual response to treatment.

How painful Botox for hyperhidrosis is depends on the part of your body being treated and your individual pain tolerance. Most people experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Your consultant may use ice or a local anaesthetic to numb the area and reduce any pain before your treatment.

Tap water iontophoresis is a highly effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and works for about 70% to 80% of patients.

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