What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is a process that was designed to treat hyperhidrosis via an iontophoretic drug delivery system also known as an iontophoresis machine. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects approximately 7.8 million people from around the world, for each one of these people they have to go through the stigmatization and embarrassment of sweating in public.

Several treatment strategies have been developed and implemented in an effort to treat hyperhidrosis effectively and safely. These range from:

topical therapeutics (e.g. aluminium chloride in ethanol),

drugs which disrupt the anti-cholinergic system (e.g. glycopyrrolate),

botulinum toxin (i.e. Botox)

surgery

However, as you can imagine – these treatment options have limitations and adverse effects. For example, the anti-cholinergic drugs which are routinely used to control the symptoms of excessive perspiration are associated with a myriad of worrisome side-effects such as constipation, visual blurring, drowsiness, giddiness, dry eyes and dry mouth.

Even though Botox injections have seen a modest degree of success in ameliorating hyperhidrosis, they are limited by their high cost-burden and the need for multiple injections which can be painful – furthermore, each injection represents an invasive procedure that is associated with a small but not insignificant risk of bleeding and infection.

Surgical therapy in the form of an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is also an effective treatment modality for hyperhidrosis, but this is a drastic and costly measure that is typically reserved as an absolute last resort for patients who have debilitating hyperhidrosis and have failed all other treatment options available.

History of Iontophoresis Iontophoresis is a form of technology which delivers a mild electric current through the skin (transdermally) and was originally developed to enhance the absorption of drugs which were applied topically on the skin itself. Iontophoresis isn’t novel; in fact, the technology has been utilized for palmar (hands) and plantar (feet) hyperhidrosis since the 1950s. Despite this, there has not been a widespread uptake of iontophoresis as a conventional treatment modality for hyperhidrosis, and therefore, there are no clinical practice guidelines that provide guidance on its duration and frequency. Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of iontophoresis in the treatment of hyperhidrosis is still not completely well understood. Some research groups proposed that the ion flux induces changes in the structure of the exocrine sweat gland, but this has not been corroborated by electron microscopy examination. Similarly, it has been theorized that iontophoresis decreases the innervation density of the skin – but this has also not been corroborated by microscopic examination of the skin. The only promising theory so far, is that iontophoresis induces changes in the function of the exocrine sweat gland rather than its physical structure – specifically, the secretory mechanisms of the sweat gland have been shown to be less active after treatment. Procedure for Iontophoresis The iontophoretic device consists of 3 main components – a power source, an anode (-) and a cathode (+). Today, Iontophoresis is typically prescribed for 10 to 30 minutes per session, about 3 to 5 times per week. Studies have shown that Iontophoresis typically requires anywhere between 6 to 15 sessions for patients to notice a significant improvement in their hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis utilizes a water bath which submerges the hands and/or feet while the low-amplitude current is applied to the skin within. The specifics of the current and voltage are as follows: 8-12mA and 16V (alternating current and direct current). Effectiveness of Iontophoresis Several studies have shed light on the promising potential for Iontophoresis to effectively treat hyperhidrosis. In 2017, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on 29 patients with hyperhidrosis. 93% of participants in the group which received iontophoretic treatment showed a clinical improvement as opposed to just 38% of participants in the placebo group (sham treatment). Moreover, the degree of clinical improvement was impressive – the sweat secretion rate in the iontophoretic group was reduced by a whopping 92%. There remains some contention regarding the lasting effects of iontophoresis amongst the scientific community – in the above study, 71% of patients maintained their improvement in symptoms for up to 4 weeks after their last treatment. However, a comprehensive review of all other studies conducted on Iontophoresis and hyperhidrosis since 1990, revealed that the treatment effect ranges anywhere from 2 to 14 weeks after the last iontophoretic session. In view of this, iontophoretic practitioners typically recommend ‘maintenance therapy’ every 1 to 4 weeks. Safety & Limitations of Iontophoresis Iontophoresis is not without its side effects. These include dryness and reddening of the skin, as well as the occasional skin rash. However, these adverse effects are not serious nor life-threatening and typically resolve by themselves after some time. Patients are strongly advised to remove all metallic objects prior to iontophoretic treatment, and can expect to feel some mild tingling on their skin which is regarded as harmless. Patients who have broken skin from wounds of other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or occupational allergic dermatitis, should either avoid iontophoresis until their skin has healed, or they could consider applying petrolatum jelly (i.e. Vaseline) over the exposed skin prior to iontophoretic treatment. As there is limited data on the safety of Iontophoresis in pregnant women, they are advised to abstain from iontophoresis until such time that safety and performance data is publicly available.

Buying an Iontophoresis Machine

With the purchase of an iontophoresis machine you can start to get rid of that uncomfortable feeling you get from sweating in public. Using small amounts of electricity, an iontophoresis machine treats the sweat glands in the areas affected. Typical treatment with an iontophoresis machine starts out at three treatments per week. This continues on until you have the desired dryness in the treatment area. Then treatments drop down to one per week for most people.

We have done some research and found some of the best iontophoresis machines on the market. Each one of these machines was picked because they have a 4.5 star rating or above. They are also picked because they have been found to be among the most effective on the market. One of the machines even holds the record for most effective in clinical studies across the world.

Keep reading to find your next iontophoresis machine and to change your life forever…

Best Iontophoresis Machine Comparison 🏅

# Product Image Iontophoresis Machine Current Type Coupon Code Latest Price 1 Hidrex PSP-1000 Pulsed Current No Check Price 2 Idromed 5 PS Pulsed Current No Check Price 3 Dermadry Pulsed Current $50 Off

Coupon:

.IM5O Check Price 4 Electro Antiperspirant Elite Pulsed Current 5% discount

Coupon:

.100%DRY Check Price 5 R.A Fischer MD-1a Direct Current No Check Price

Electro Antiperspirant Elite

From Electro Antiperspirant comes the Electro Antiperspirant Elite, a very well rated device. With the addition of extra applicators, you can treat many of the regions of the body that suffer from hyperhidrosis. This iontophoresis machine is both battery powered and AC wall powered and as such can be used for both home and away usage.

In clinical trials this device provided 100% effectiveness. This is the only device in the world to do so. It is also the only device on our list which allows for treating both the hands and the feet at the same time.

With a high level of control options, it is acceptable for both home and clinic usage. It comes with an EU certificate but this machine is yet to be approved by the FDA for the US market. Despite the high cost, you will be getting a very effective iontophoresis machine. For those on a budget, you can get a lower version from their website.

read more about Electro Antiperspirant Elite

Use the Coupon code 100%DRY to save 5% on all their products.

Check price here

Dermadry

The Dermadry iontophoresis machine is a safe, convenient and easy to use option for hyperhidrosis sufferers. What sets it apart from other brands on the market is the good value for money that it offers, as well as the sophisticated technology utilized to ease excessive sweating.

Wherever you experience sweating- whether it is on your palms, soles or underarms- Dermadry is a viable and practical solution. All manner of personalized products are available, catered to meet your individual needs, With a combination of ordinary tapwater and a targeted electrical current, if used as part of a sustained treatment regimen Dermadry has been proven to offer effective and long-lasting relief.

Its reliability has been demonstrated in clinical studies where its iontophoresis method was shown to relieve excessive sweating in 100% of cases. It has even been recommended by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, and is usable by those aged thirteen and over.

For more details read our full Dermadry Review

Use the Coupon code IM50 to save $50 on this machine before the end of September 2020

Check price here

Hidrex PSP-1000



With the power of a Hidrex, this unit has sold over 20,000 devices. With a modern look, it isn’t all about appearances with this machine. It is flexible and capable of delivery both direct and variable pulse. The success rate is very high with this iontophoresis machine and it is FDA approved.

As far as iontophoresis machines go, this unit is relatively expensive but it is also one of the most effective on the market. In fact, it is among the most expensive public use devices. There is also a lower model of this unit available for around $695.00.

read more about Hidrex PSP-1000