Iontophoresis
What is iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is a non-invasive, drug-free, and needle-free way to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It utilizes tap water and electrical current to temporarily stop the production of sweat, making it one of the few instances where mixing water and electricity is recommended! So, how does it work? Let’s start by break down the word:How does iontophoresis work?
During treatment, the iontophoresis device is plugged into a power source (an outlet), which delivers a mild electrical current to the treatment area, using the minerals found in tap water as a conductor. The current reaches the skin, which is slightly covered in water, through the conductive metal electrodes. A protective barrier such as a towel or sponge placed over the electrodes to protect the skin during treatment, provide adequate comfort, and even treatment over the entire zone. The passage of the mild electrical current disrupts the signal between the nerves and sweat glands and halts sweat production in the treated zone. While the exact mechanism of action is still unknown (there are a few scientific theories), what is known is that it is an extremely effective way to treat even the most serious cases of hyperhidrosis. Need to visualize it? Watch how simple it is to do an iontophoresis treatment below! On the left you will find a tutorial for hands & feet, and on the right you will find a tutorial for underarms!Watch how easy it is to set up and use Dermadry!
Is iontophoresis effective?
Iontophoresis is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient way to treat mild to severe cases of hyperhidrosis. A summary of results derived from clinical studies spanning several decades puts the success rate of iontophoresis in the 90-100% range. A breakdown of these studies can be found below. Additionally, an internal survey conducted on 749 Dermadry users found that 98.3% of respondents stated they experienced a reduction in their sweat levels, putting Dermadry’s success rate well within the higher range of success rates reported in clinical studies. To fully understand and maximise the efficiency of iontophoresis, as well as to get the most out of your iontophoresis treatment, it is important to understand the treatment phases and schedule. Iontophoresis treatment is split into two treatment phases: the initial phase and the maintenance phase. Treatment frequency depends on the level of hyperhidrosis: mild, moderate, or severe.
Initial Phase
The initial phase is the first phase of treatment that is done until the user attains their desired level of dryness. During the initial phase, the treatment will be performed up to 5x a week at the highest comfortable setting for up to 6 weeks. Most people achieve their desired results within 2 weeks.Maintenance Phase
Once the patient has attained their desired level of dryness in the initial phase, they will then go on to the maintenance phase. A maintenance schedule must be maintained to upkeep results. The frequency can be as little as once every few weeks, depending on the severity of the hyperhidrosis.The Story Behind Dermadry’s Iontophoresis Machines
How iontophoresis compares to other hyperhidrosis treatments
Dermadry Customer Case Studies
The science behind Dermadry's iontophoresis machine
Effectiveness
- Tap water iontophoresis treatments improve the patient’s quality of life significantly during treatment.6
- 92.9% of patients saw results after two weeks of iontophoresis treatments.7
- 88.9% of patients had positive results,and a majority of the patients found the maintenance program compatible with their lifestyle.8
- Quality of life improved in 78.6% of patients after 2 weeks.9
- Tap water iontophoresis is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic option for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.10
- Tap water iontophoresis is a safe and effective treatment for both palmoplantar (hands and feet) hyperhidrosis and axillary (underarms) hyperhidrosis in the pediatric population, with minimal side effects.11
- Tap water iontophoresis is an effective method of treatment for primary palmoplantar (hands and feet) and axillary (underarms) hyperhidrosis in pediatric patients.12
- The study demonstrates that tap water iontophoresis controls palmar (hands) hyperhidrosis after a total of eight treatments.13
- Iontophoresis treatment is safe, effective, and easy to use for the treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. This technique should be offered to patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis prior to surgical intervention or toxin injection.14
- Tap water iontophoresis suppresses palmar hyperhidrosis. When instructions are followed, tap water iontophoresis is safe for unsupervised treatment of hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis is a simple, economic and effective therapy that should be offered to patients for control of palmar hyperhidrosis prior to surgical intervention. Iontophoresis is also a suitable alternative to long-term drug therapy. The study demonstrated a success rate of 83.3%.15
- At present, tap water iontophoresis represents the most effective therapy in hyperhidrosis of palms or soles. Patients with extremely high sweat rates respond to the treatment, no adverse effects were noticed during long-term maintenance treatment, and tap water iontophoresis not only curbs sweating, but also abates other uncomfortable symptoms, such as lividity, edema and clamminess of palms and soles.16
- We found the treatment to be so effective in axillary (underarms) hyperhidrosis that we would recommend iontophoresisin preference to surgical excision of the sweat-glands.17
- In our view, tap water iontophoresis is by far more successful in treating hyperhidrosis of palms and soles. In a group of 7 patients, complete relief from excessive sweating was achieved and no treatment failure was observed.18
- Since 1968, tap water iontophoresis has been employed as the method of choice for treating palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.19
- In 2014, an FDA panel reviewing scientific data on the matter concluded that “all 8 studies reported that tap water iontophoresis effectively reduced sweating in the majority of subjects treated with [tap water iontophoresis]”.20
Treatment Duration & Results
- Quality of life improved in 78.6% of patients after 2 weeks.
- 92.9% of patients saw results after two weeks of iontophoresis treatments.
- The study demonstrates that tap water iontophoresis controls palmar (hands) hyperhidrosis after a total of eight treatments.
Safety
- Tap water iontophoresis is a safe and effective treatment for both palmoplantar (hands and feet) hyperhidrosis and axillary (underarms) hyperhidrosis in the pediatric population, with minimal side effects.
- Tap water iontophoresis is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic option for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.
- Iontophoresis treatment is safe, effective, and easy to use for the treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. This technique should be offered to patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis prior to surgical intervention or toxin injection.
- Tap water iontophoresis suppresses palmar hyperhidrosis. When instructions are followed, tap water iontophoresis is safe for unsupervised treatment of hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis is a simple, economic and effective therapy that should be offered to patients for control of palmar hyperhidrosis prior to surgical intervention. Iontophoresis is also a suitable alternative to long-term drug therapy. The study demonstrated a success rate of 83.3%.
Impact on Quality of Life
- Tap water iontophoresis treatments improve the patient’s quality of life significantly during treatment.
- Quality of life improved in 78.6% of patients after 2 weeks.
Is Iontophoresis Doctor-Recommended?
Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD
- think it's a fantastic option. I love iontophoresis for my patients who have palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, especially. It works well for axillary, but let's be honest, the palms and soles can be difficult to treat with perhaps conventional treatment. And so, it is my number one recommendation for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. I think that it can be effective, I think we have to talk our patients through the consistency in the beginning: sticking with it and letting them know that if they do stick with it, you do start to receive results depending upon severity. It can be anywhere from two weeks to three weeks or four weeks in, but you do get to a point where you can continue the treatment on a maintenance schedule.
- It's very easy to use, and I always tell my patients, when you're doing the 15- or 20-minute treatments, you can do it in front of a TV, watch a movie, or read on your computer! I mean, we're doing everything on our devices right now, and I think our mindset is let's get in front of a device anyway.
- I think overall, to me, what's most important is not only to provide safe and effective treatment, like what Dermadry provides, but to educate and empower our patients so that they know that they can achieve dryness, and they can be confident being who they are.
Dr. Amy Shah, MD
- I'm so excited about tap water iontophoresis. I think it is something that can change lives and that's why I'm so excited to be talking about things like Dermadry and treatments that use iontophoresis because it's safe and effective, in an FDA cleared way. I think the reason why I keep emphasizing FDA cleared to people is that there's a lot that goes into approval. We don't approve things very easily anymore. It has to go through many, many layers of processes and I’m excited that we can offer people a treatment that they can do at home, and that's effective and easy.
- You know, a lot of people choose injections as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. And the problem is it's painful, it's expensive, it wears off quite immediately. And it requires multiple visits to a medical practitioner. And therefore I, personally, would really prefer to send patients home with [an iontophoresis machine] where they can do it themselves. And if they need additional treatments on top of that, that's fine. It can be additive, but maybe they can just manage it on their own at home, in a safe and easy way, and less expensive.
- Honestly, I have to say to have an at home solution that is simple and easy. I mean, it's as simple as watching the YouTube video, reading the simple instructions, you know, tap water is all you really need, and a plug. And you could be doing this, three to five times a week, pretty easily while doing something else, watching a show, and really changing your life in a fairly significant way.
- You have to be on a regular treatment schedule to really see a difference. And I think that keeping up just like we do with any health habit—having something become a habit and be regular has a huge effect on not only giving us results, but also giving us a sense of routine and increasing our confidence or lowering our anxiety.
Dr. Robert Strimling, MD
- Treatment of hyperhidrosis has come a long way in the past 30 years since I began my career in the field of dermatology. Learning about tap water iontophoresis even back during my early days as a dermatologist, I have always found this treatment to be highly successful for most patients. However, in those early years, quality-made and cost-effective devices were not easily found. Thankfully, now iontophoresis is more accessible, with quality devices on the market like Dermadry, which I recommend to my patients looking for a cost-effective treatment that can be done at home.
Dr. Ramin Fathi, MD
- Iontophoresis has been around for a while, but Dermadry is making it better and more accessible. I love that it treats the underarms as well, several years ago it seemed we were only talking about iontophoresis for the hands. I believe in the product, it’s an amazing product. It’s my go-to solution to treat excessive sweating. My wife is a dermatologist as well and she has also started prescribing Dermadry to her patients. Looking at the machine—it’s a really cool product. I love it.
- There are some pretty interesting studies being done on iontophoresis,and I think what's nice about is that it is getting more widely recognized as a great treatment option for hyperhidrosis patients—it's safe and very effective.
- Our patients are really smart these days, they have access to a lot of the information that we have access to, so they know what they're looking for. I've had patients come in who are looking for iontophoresis machines right away. I also have patients come in who don't know anything about iontophoresis, and are surprised when I tell them about it and they're really excited about it. When you consider some of the alternatives, what's not to be excited about iontophoresis?
- I tell my patients, you should be able to just sit, watch TV, FaceTime with a friend, do whatever during the treatment. And if you have 20 minutes where you're sitting around—perfect time to do Dermadry. It’s really quick and really it doesn't take away from your day to day.
- Iontophoresis is a low-risk treatment option that really does work, has a minimal side effect profile, and the benefits can be great. It’s one of my first line treatments to go to, if not the first line treatment. For the vast majority of the public, this is a great option.
Dr. Leona Yip, MD
- I regularly recommend iontophoresis as first line specialist treatment for hand and feet hyperhidrosis in all age groups as it is effective in many people and has a good safety profile.
- It can be used in both children and adults, and tap water treatments are a good drug-free option for those who are concerned about medication side effects. It is also easy to administer from the comfort of home, or if preferred, can be done in the clinic under supervision. The costs of iontophoresis machines have also come down in recent years, making it more affordable.
Iontophoresis FAQ
What is iontophoresis?
Tap water iontophoresis is a non-invasive, drug-free, and needle-free way to treat hyperhidrosis.How much does iontophoresis cost?
Home-use iontophoresis devices can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Dermadry is the most cost-effective iontophoresis machine that treats all 3 zones most commonly affected by hyperhidrosis: the hands, feet, and underarms.How long does iontophoresis take to work?
The amount of time it takes to see results from iontophoresis treatment varies by person. Most people see a sweat reduction after 1-2 weeks of treatment. For mild cases, it can take just one treatment to see results, and for the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis, it can take several weeks. Always stick to your treatment schedule and do not stop treatment if you feel discouraged. For some, it just takes longer to see results.How successful is iontophoresis?
Success rates in clinical studies performed on analyzing the efficiency of iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis generally range between 90%-100% of people treated.Does iontophoresis really work?
Iontophoresis is one of the safest, most efficient and cost-effective treatment options for hyperhidrosis, and is effective in nearly all cases. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and needle-free. Clinical study success rates range between 90-100% of patients treated.How much does iontophoresis cost?
Home-use iontophoresis devices can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Dermadry is the most cost-effective iontophoresis machine that treats all 3 zones most commonly affected by hyperhidrosis: the hands, feet, and underarms.How often should iontophoresis be done?
The frequency of iontophoresis treatments depends on the patient’s level of hyperhidrosis (mild, moderate or severe). There are 2 phases to iontophoresis treatment: the initial phase and maintenance phase. Consult Dermadry’s Instructions For Use manual to create a treatment schedule that works for you and your lifestyle.What are the benefits of iontophoresis?
Some benefits of iontophoresis are that it is a non-invasive, needle-free, drug-free treatment option. It is safe and effective and has only minor limited side effects in comparison to other treatments for hyperhidrosis. Maintaining the results attained with iontophoresis treatment can drastically improve the patient’s quality of life.Is iontophoresis safe?
Iontophoresis has been used to treat hyperhidrosis for nearly a century. It is one of the safest and most effective ways to treat hyperhidrosis. It is often prescribed to hyperhidrosis patients who have had no luck with regular antiperspirants. It is a non-invasive, drug-free, and needle-free treatment option.Can iontophoresis stop working?
You will not build a tolerance to iontophoresis treatment, so it will not stop working. The effects of iontophoresis treatment may diminish after time, which is why a maintenance schedule must be followed to upkeep your desired level of dryness.What does iontophoresis feel like?
A slight tingling sensation may be felt during iontophoresis treatment. The level of sensation depends on the patient’s skin sensitivity, and the level of the current. Generally, as more iontophoresis treatments are performed, the patient gets used to the feeling and can tolerate higher current levels.Is iontophoresis for everyone?
Iontophoresis treatment is suitable for most people. Some contraindications include metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, and heart problems. A full list of contraindications can be viewed below. If you are unsure, speak to a medical professional.What are the side effects of iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is associated with minor limited side effects such as skin tingling, irritation, and redness.Will I sweat more from somewhere else if I use iontophoresis on my hands, feet, and/or underarms?
No, compensatory sweating is not a side-effect of iontophoresis treatment. Iontophoresis treatment will halt the excess production of sweat in the treated zone, but have no effect on any other untreated area of the body. The sweat that is diminishing in the treated zone will not resurface elsewhere.Are homemade iontophoresis machines safe?
Homemade DIY iontophoresis machines run an increased risk of side effects. There is no way to control the current level and output and there are no safety measures in homemade iontophoresis devices. Iontophoresis devices, such as Dermadry, undergo vigorous testing and are equipped with many safety parameters to ensure user safety and efficient treatment.What areas can be treated with iontophoresis?
The hands, feet, and underarms are most commonly treated with iontophoresis, as clinical studies have demonstrated the efficiency and safety of iontophoresis treatment in these 3 zones.Is iontophoresis a permanent treatment?
Iontophoresis is not a permanent treatment, but can provide long-lasting dryness as long as a maintenance schedule is adequately followed.Why Dermadry is the Best Choice
Is Dermadry Right For Me? *
Intended Use:
Dermadry is a home-use tap water iontophoresis device designed for single patient use. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe palmar, plantar, and axillary hyperhidrosis by those 13 years and older.NOTE: Iontophoresis treatment is suitable for nearly everyone, though our list of contraindications must be referred to before commencing treatment. Please refer to the list below to know if Dermadry is right for you.
Classification
In Canada, tap water iontophoresis machines are a Class II medical device.Contraindications
DO NOT use this device if you have any of the following conditions:- Cardiac pacemaker
- ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)
- Suspected or diagnosed heart problems (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia)
- Seizure disorders (epilepsy)
- Pregnant or suspected pregnancy
- Metal-containing intrauterine device (IUD)
- Metallic implants
- Large skin lesions and lesions that cannot be covered with petroleum jelly
- Numbness in the treated areas
- Infections or irritated skin
- Impaired sensation in hands, underarms or feet (e.g. polyneuropathy)
- Malignant disorders in the area of application
- Severe vascular disorders (e.g. local inflammation or thrombosis)
Side Effects
Some of the potential side-effects associated with iontophoresis treatment include:- Irritation, skin reddening (erythema), burning sensation, small blisters (vesiculation), and itching (pruritus). Wait until symptoms disappear completely before starting your next treatment.
- Tingling and stinging sensations. Muscle numbness (paresthesia) may occur. Slight pain could be felt at the beginning of the treatment or after the polarity alternating sequence. If you feel any of the above side effects, reduce intensity during next treatment.
- Increased sweating: After the first few treatments, you may experience an increase in sweating. This symptom will subside after a few treatments.
- Small electric shocks during treatment: In very rare cases, a harmless electric shock may occur if treatment is interrupted suddenly. To avoid this risk, remove your hands, feet or underarm electrodes slowly.
- Skin dryness: Skin may become dry, small lesions or scaling may occur. To reduce these symptoms, use a moisturizing cream after treatments.
- Aluminum may cause minor allergic reactions for some users. They may develop red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin at the point of contact. If you notice any allergic reaction developing on the treated area of skin, stop using the device and contact Dermadry’s Customer Service.
* / For complete and detailed information, including contraindications, side effects, and proper usage instructions, please refer to the instruction manual provided with the device. The instruction manual contains all essential guidance as required by applicable regulations.
Dermadry’s Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Iontophoresis Treatments
The key to maintaining your results with iontophoresis is to maintain a proper treatment schedule. Iontophoresis is an effective way to treat palmar, plantar, and axillary hyperhidrosis in nearly all cases, though it is important to remember that the success of the treatment relies on several factors, which we have listed below:- The frequency of treatments is dependent upon the severity of the hyperhidrosis, for both the initial phase and the maintenance phase.
- The treatment must be done with tap water, as the use of tap water ensures uniform treatment over the targeted areas. The minerals in tap water are what conduct the electricity
- The treatment’s success partly depends on the current strength that is used, and providing an adequate level of current on the targeted area will reduce sweat in most cases.. Higher current strengths are more effective and should be used for severe sweating.
- The treatment strength should be changed in accordance with skin sensitivity. We recommend using the highest level of current you are comfortable with, and building up as you get used to the sensation.
- Hands and feet can tolerate a higher current strength than underarms, this is why our machine has preset limits.
- Following the initial treatment phase, results must be maintained by following a treatment schedule.