Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis (pronounced eye-on-toe-fo-ree-sis), has been a reliable, trusted, and effective solution for hyperhidrosis for nearly a century. The oldest literature on iontophoresis treatment for hyperhidrosis can be traced back as far back as the 1930s! It has long been used to treat palmoplantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the hands and feet), notoriously difficult areas to treat, and is now commonly used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) and other areas of the body. Since its introduction, it has undergone significant developments, which have made it one of the go-to treatments for hyperhidrosis. It is often classified as a first or second-line treatment option for those who traditional antiperspirants have not worked.

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:

Ionto (Ion)

an electrically charged molecule

Phoresis

Transmission (Movement)

Iontophoresis

The movement of ions.

Iontophoresis treatment is done with a medical device, referred to as a tap water iontophoresis machine. It can be done in a clinical setting under medical supervision, but it is more commonly done at home with a compact and user-friendly home-use device, such as Dermadry.

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!

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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

One of the founding members of Dermadry struggled with hyperhidrosis since adolescence. After trying countless treatment options, such as traditional antiperspirants and creams, he was dissatisfied with the lack of results he was obtaining. With anxiety mounting as sweat made social interaction increasingly challenging as he entered university, he began researching treatments for hyperhidrosis, and he came across iontophoresis. Iontophoresis seemed like a promising solution with under tapped potential—it was not being properly exploited as a treatment option for hyperhidrosis. The machines available at the time were either completely outdated, ineffective, and very costly—and generally all three. They were inaccessible to most, and so he decided to take matters into his own sweaty hands and develop a new iontophoresis device with effectiveness, modernity, safety, and cost-efficiency in mind, which is when Dermadry came into existence. Dermadry was developed as the answer to the lack of availability, archaic designs, and absence of user-friendly interfaces of traditional iontophoresis machines. These outdated devices negatively impacted efficiency, and put a lot of people off to the idea of it as a viable treatment option deserving of recognition in the medical sphere. We were not satisfied with the fleeting results obtained with clunky analog devices sold at exorbitant prices, so we did something about it. We didn’t feel comfortable with these devices that could cause pain and shocks, and we didn’t think anyone else should either.

Iontophoresis machines were deserving of a much-needed upgrade, so we designed a device fitting for modern times that we were so personally satisfied with that we were proud to use on ourselves. We shared it with the world to make iontophoresis a better-known, safer, more-effective and trusted solution within the medical community and beyond. We firmly believe that iontophoresis is the safest, most-efficient, and cost-effective solution for hyperhidrosis. Our founder’s first-hand experience with the condition is what gave us the often lacking insight as to what someone with hyperhidrosis is looking for in a treatment option. Those with hyperhidrosis will know that traditional creams and antiperspirants are simply not enough, systemic medications cause serious and potential long-term side effects, and injections are painful and recurring—just to name a few. Iontophoresis checks off a lot of boxes on what can be referred to as a “hyperhidrosis treatment checklist”. Iontophoresis is easy-to-use, requires minimal effort on the user’s part, and provides long-lasting results that are easy to maintain. It is a natural, drug-free and non-systemic treatment option associated with minimal side effects that are temporary and localized to the treatment zone (redness and irritation). Iontophoresis is done at home, and does not require access to a doctor or specialist, and therefore does not require any travel time or recurring clinic visits. Simply put, it’s the treatment of choice to save you time, money, and effort, without sacrificing efficiency or results. Iontophoresis adapts to your schedule and lifestyle, rather than the other way around, so you can finally stop letting hyperhidrosis control your life.

How iontophoresis compares to other hyperhidrosis treatments

Discover why Dermadry is the best way to get dry

Antiperspirants

Affordable

BUT

Very Low Efficiency

B. Toxin Injections

High Efficiency

BUT

Painful & Expensive

Drugs

Treats Entire Body at the Same Time

BUT

Multiple Major Side Effects

Dermadry^®

High Efficiency, Minimal Side Effects, and Affordable

BUT

Maintenance Treatments Required

Dermadry Customer Case Studies

I Finally Feel “Normal”

Now I Can Wear What I Want

The Solution I Was Looking For

Alexandra

The Solution I Was Looking For

Iontophoresis treatment helped Alexandra regain her confidence and get her freedom back.

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The science behind Dermadry's iontophoresis machine

A lot of clinical research has been conducted on the effectiveness and safety of tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, and how it can improve patient quality of life. Every year, more studies are being conducted, as iontophoresis gains popularity as a treatment option for hyperhidrosis. Studies have consistently proven that iontophoresis is a simple, safe, economic, and effective treatment option for hyperhidrosis. It is a treatment option that medical professionals often suggest or prescribe to their patients when conventional antiperspirants fail. It is the preferred treatment option of many and is generally prescribed prior to toxin injections, surgical intervention, and long-term drug therapy. It is a treatment option for hyperhidrosis that can provide long-term results with minimal side effects. Below is an overview of some studies conducted on the efficiency and safety of iontophoresis treatment to treat hyperhidrosis. The following clinical studies were performed on patients aged 8-71 years old with primary focal hyperhidrosis (mild, moderate, and severe). These clinical studies evaluated the efficiency of iontophoresis in both clinical conditions (performed by healthcare professionals in a medical facility) and at home (patients were provided with devices and performed treatments on their own). The treatment parameters were similar in regards to the current strength, treatment duration, and treatment frequency.

Effectiveness

Here’s a look at their findings:

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

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Show full bibliography ...

¹ Doolittle, James, Patricia Walker, Thomas Mills, and Jane Thurston. "Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States." Archives of dermatological research 308, no. 10 (2016): 743-749. ² Kim, Do Hun, Tae Han Kim, Seung Ho Lee, and Ai Young Lee. “Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial.” Annals of dermatology29, no. 6 (2017): 728-734. ³ Elkhyat A and Agache P. Treatment of hyperhidrosis by iontophoresis of weakly mineralised water. 1993. Cutaneous Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Functional Dermatology, 25030 Besancon, France. ⁴ Hölzle, E., M. Pauli, and O. Braun-Falco. “Leitungswasser-Iontophorese zur Behandlung von Hyperhidrosis manuum et pedum.” Der Hautarzt 35, no. 3 (1984): 142-147. ⁵ Stolman, Lewis P. "Hyperhidrosis: medical and surgical treatment." Eplasty 8 (2008). ⁶ Akbar, Talat Masood, Mahmood A. Saqib, Sundas Fahim, Mohammad Nasir, and Haroon Nabi. "Efficacy and safety of tap water iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis." Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology 23, no. 3 (2016): 304-309. ⁷ Kim, Do Hun, Tae Han Kim, Seung Ho Lee, and Ai Young Lee. "Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial." Annals of dermatology29, no. 6 (2017): 728-734. ⁸ Maj, NS WALIA, BS RATHORE Lt Col, and AK JAISWAL Col. "TREATMENT OF PALMOPLANTER HYPERHIDROSIS BY IONTOPHORESIS." Medical Journal Armed Forces India 56, no. 1 (2000): 27-28. ⁹ Kim, Do Hun, Tae Han Kim, Seung Ho Lee, and Ai Young Lee. "Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial." Annals of dermatology 29, no. 6 (2017): 728-734. ¹⁰ Yardi, S. S., U. S. Khopkar, V. A. Phadke, and S. S. Idgunji. "Tap water iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis." Indian Journal of Dermatology 42, no. 3 (1997): 164-167. ¹¹ Dagash, Haitham, Sinead McCaffrey, Katie Mellor, Agnes Roycroft, and Ingrid Helbling. "Tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis." Journal of pediatric surgery 52, no. 2 (2017): 309-312. ¹² Dogruk Kacar, Seval, Pinar Ozuguz, Selma Eroglu, Serap Polat, and Semsettin Karaca. "Treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with tap water iontophoresis in paediatric patients: a retrospective analysis." Cutaneous and ocular toxicology 33, no. 4 (2014): 313-316. ¹³ Karakoç, Yunus, Ertuğrul H. Aydemir, M. Tunaya Kalkan, and Gaye Ünal. "Safe control of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with direct electrical current." International journal of dermatology41, no. 9 (2002): 602-605. ¹⁴ Safe control of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with direct electrical current. Karakoç Y, Aydemir EH, Kalkan MT, Unal G. Int J Dermatol. 2002 Sep ¹⁵ Stolman, Lewis P. "Treatment of excess sweating of the palms by iontophoresis." Archives of dermatology 123, no. 7 (1987): 893-896. ¹⁶ Hölzle, E., and N. Alberti. "Long-term efficacy and side effects of tap water iontophoresis of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis–the usefulness of home therapy." Dermatology 175, no. 3 (1987): 126-135. ¹⁷ Midtgaard, K. "A new device for the treatment of hyperhidrosis by iontophoresis." British Journal of Dermatology 114, no. 4 (1986): 485-488. ¹⁸ Hölzle, E., and T. Ruzicka. "Treatment of hyperhidrosis by a battery-operated iontophoretic device." Dermatology 172, no. 1 (1986): 41-47. ¹⁹ Hölzle, E. "Leitungswasseriontophorese." Der Hautarzt 63, no. 6 (2012): 462-468. ²⁰ U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Reclassification of Iontophoresis Devices Intended for Any Other Purposes." Office of the Federal Register (accessed September 1, 2018).

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?

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

Dermadry's iontophoresis device distinguishes itself through its affordability, intuitive use, and its cutting-edge technology. We offer an all-in-one solution for people who suffer from excessive sweating of the hands, feet, and underarms also known as palmar, plantar, and axillary hyperhidrosis. Our products are tailored to meet specific customer needs, whether an individual sweats only from their hands and feet, only from their underarms or from all three areas. Dermadry is a trusted solution, as showcased on the website of the non-profit organization the International Hyperhidrosis Society. In late 2018, Dermadry became the first and remains the only iontophoresis device with an active medical device license and authorized for sale by Health Canada. In February 2020, Dermadry’s iontophoresis became FDA cleared for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

We have helped thousands of people around the globe achieve the dryness they deserve to live comfortably and confidently sweat-free. Dermadry has been prescribed and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world, and has become the go-to solution for dermatologists seeking the best treatment option for their hyperhidrosis patients. We are continuously pursuing our mission to raise awareness of hyperhidrosis, and have done so through several initiatives including launching the Dermadry Hyperhidrosis Scholarship and the Voices of Hyperhidrosis awareness campaign. We are dedicated to empowering the lives of those affected by hyperhidrosis through education, awareness, and enriching their quality of life through adequate treatment. We strive to make iontophoresis treatment better-known and more accessible to all, and are constantly researching and developing our device to make it available in more parts of the world.

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)

NOTE: If in doubt, please contact your health professional.

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.

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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.