Final answer:
Iontophoresis is the process where electric current facilitates the delivery of water-soluble solutions into the skin, taking advantage of the lowered resistance when skin contact resistance is bypassed, and using properties of ionic solutions within the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of using electric current to introduce water-soluble solutions into the skin is known as iontophoresis. During this process, electrodes are placed on the skin, and a mild electric current is passed through to move water-soluble compounds across the skin's surface. As we know, most of the body's electrical resistance lies in its dry skin, but this resistance decreases significantly when wet due to the ionization of salts. The internal body has much lower resistance because of the various ionic solutions and fluids contained within. Iontophoresis takes advantage of these properties by using electrical currents to enhance the penetration of medication or other active agents through the skin, effectively overcoming the body's natural resistance and improving delivery.
For example, during procedures like open-heart surgery, electrical safety is highly critical as small currents, even as low as 20 µA, can have significant effects. Such a sensitive condition is what leads to the stringent electrical safety requirements in hospital settings, especially in places like surgery wards and intensive care units where invasive procedures may compromise skin resistance.