When should the electrodes in electrotherapy be moistened?

In electrotherapy, the application and function of electrodes can vary depending on the specific treatment being performed. For iontophoresis, the electrodes must be moistened to facilitate the effective delivery of medication through the skin via electrical current. The moisture from the electrolyte solution helps improve conductivity, ensuring that the current flows smoothly and the medication penetrates the skin barrier effectively.

In contrast, during shortwave diathermy, electrodes are not typically moistened. Instead, they rely on the delivery of electromagnetic waves to generate heat within the tissue, which does not require moist electrodes for effectiveness.

Desincrustation, another common electrotherapy technique, often utilizes moist electrodes to promote skin cleansing, but the question specifically focuses on when electrodes should be moistened in the context of iontophoresis.

This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the specific requirements for each electrotherapy modality, particularly the necessity of moistening electrodes in the context of iontophoresis to enhance treatment efficacy.