Here is a comprehensive and independent guide and comparative review of iontophoresis devices available for purchase online, regularly updated.
Before purchasing an iontophoresis device, you likely need reviews to assist you in your decision-making process.
I list the iontophoresis devices currently available on the market, along with their strengths and weaknesses. I also mention the prices of the various machines!
♻️ Last update: 6 May 2024. Disclaimer: no Affiliate Links. Written by Nelly Darbois, physical therapist and scientific writer (see here)
Summary
Why a comparison and reviews of iontophoresis devices?
This list was born from the observation that many people search every month on their favorite search engine for “iontophoresis reviews”. However, most of the sites that internet users come across are:
Either commercial sites, positioned at the top of the results through advertising.
They generally present only one iontophoresis device. The opinion one can form is therefore truncated since only the description and characteristics of a single model are accessible.
Even if user reviews who purchased the device are displayed, they may be fake testimonials, reviews from people paid to leave them, or reviews selected by the site in question.
Sites that generally present what hyperhidrosis is and mention iontophoresis as an effective treatment.
However, these sites do not refer to the different iontophoresis devices. The opinion one can form about the different devices is therefore again fragmented or even non-existent.
Forums like Reddit or Quora, where the information dates back several years.
Furthermore, comments and opinions are sometimes dubious because they are either too laudatory or too negative.
Many people have contacted me over the years to obtain reliable reviews and information about iontophoresis. Therefore, I regularly monitor various iontophoresis devices, user reviews, and the emergence of new products on the market.
The prices of the machines vary from single to quadruple. Some merchants do not mention shipping costs, customs fees, or taxes. Finally, most sites forget to mention that it is also possible to make your own iontophoresis device. However, in terms of features, the products differ little.
Do you want an overview of all iontophoresis devices for patients as well as dermatologists, physiotherapists, or podiatrists? Here it is.
Best iontophoresis devices against hyperhidrosis
Here are the 5 most accessible devices from the United States and Canada. For devices more accessible in Europe (like Ionomat, Saalio, I2M Lab, Hidroxa), switch to the French version of this article (top right, French flag). Use Google Translate if necessary.
In the USA, iontophoresis machines require a doctor’s prescription.
Drionic
Made in USA 🇺🇸 since 1990s.
Cost: $253 (hands + feet)
Refunded within 150 days only if unopened.
Electro Antiperspirant® Sensitive PRO (HIGHTECH DEVELOPMENT)
Made in Czech Republic 🇨🇿 since 2010.
Cost: 416$ (hands + feet)
🚨 Customer care and they simply stopped responding (see on Reddit).
Hydrex Classic
US-based and American-owned venture 🇺🇸 since 2015 that has partnered with Hidrex GmbH (Germany, since 1990s).
Cost: $875 (hands + feet)
$915 Hands, Feet & Underarms
60-day money-back guarantee
Sometimes covered by insurance.
Dermadry
Made in Canada 🇨🇦 since 2018.
Dermadry only allows 25 m/a on feet, 15 m/a on hands and 8 m/a on underarms. You can get around this by selecting the feet treatment for the higher current to treat your hands and underarms.
Cost : $475 (hands + feet)
$500 (hands+ feet+ underarms)
100 days and sent it back to get my money back
Sometimes covered by insurance.
RA FisherCo.
Made in USA 🇺🇸 since 1948.
RA Fisher allows 30 m/a on any part of the body.
RA Fischer’s design is more advantageous for underarm treatment, thanks to the flexibility of its silicon electrodes. Despite the higher upfront cost, RA Fischer may prove more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and improved treatment effectiveness.
Cost: >$1,000 (hands + feet)
Insurance: work with Tricare, Aetna, Cigna, UMR & other in-network providers.
Is iontophoresis effective against excessive sweating?
The Hyperhidrosis Observatory provides further information on the effectiveness of iontophoresis and tips for improving its efficacy. Studies conducted on patients in the 1980s showed that approximately 80% of hyperhidrosis patients experienced a reduction in their condition and an improvement in their quality of life after using the machine for a few weeks.
On forums, individuals using an iontophoresis device report varied experiences. For some, their excessive sweating of the hands and feet was nearly eradicated by iontophoresis. These individuals typically only need maintenance sessions once a month.
For others, iontophoresis worked satisfactorily for a while, but then its effectiveness diminished. Lastly, for some individuals, iontophoresis did not reduce their excessive sweating.
Most individuals use iontophoresis for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Fewer use it for the underarms and face, so there is less data available for these indications.
Iontophoresis: Review of the Application Protocol
Depending on the devices, the protocol for sessions varies somewhat. In fact, regardless of the device used, the same applies: if you have the time and tolerance, conduct a daily iontophoresis session until your sweating decreases (usually within a few days), then gradually space out the sessions.
Find the ideal interval to maintain the effect of iontophoresis without doing it too often.
Sessions should last 10 to 20 minutes if you treat both sides simultaneously, or 20 to 40 minutes if you treat one side at a time. You can also treat one foot and one hand at a time, then switch after 10 to 20 minutes, allowing you to keep one hand free for adjustments or other tasks.
Example of iontophoresis protocol 1
Lucie suffers from excessive sweating of the hands and feet. She receives her machine on Monday and starts a 40-minute session for her hands and feet on the same day. For 5 days, she does this every day.
Then she notices a decrease in her sweating.
She then switches to every other day, then every three days, and so on, until she finds her rhythm: one session per month is sufficient for her to maintain the effectiveness of iontophoresis.
Example of iontophoresis protocol 2
Julien wants to reduce the sweat on his hands. He does 15-minute iontophoresis sessions every day for 3 days.
Then, seeing that his hyperhidrosis is decreasing, he directly spaces out the sessions and only does 2 per week. After 3 weeks, he switches to once a week, then once every 2 weeks.
This is sufficient for him to achieve a satisfactory effect on his palmar hyperhidrosis.
Is it possible to find a used iontophoresis device?
I had searched several times for a used device, without success. Undoubtedly, people prefer to buy new for this type of product, to be sure of its general condition, to have a warranty, and to be worry-free.
Furthermore, iontophoresis must be performed regularly if one wishes to permanently reduce sweat. As a result, people who own the device and have it working properly do not resell it.
Another possible reason for the absence of iontophoresis devices on the used market is the lifespan of the machines. Some people claim to have owned the same device (often Ionomat) for more than 10 or even 20 years and are still satisfied with it.
In my case, the I2M iontophoresis device (french market) stopped working properly after less than 2 years of use, due to battery issues as mentioned earlier.
Building your own iontophoresis device: my opinion
I believe that for a first purchase, it is better to invest in something new where the quality is assured, and the risks associated with iontophoresis are more controlled. However, here is how to make your own device.
Some individuals construct their own device, as well as doctors and researchers in places where access to commercial iontophoresis devices is too expensive, such as in India. Since it operates on batteries, it is quite economical if you do not need to perform iontophoresis frequently; otherwise, it can quickly become costly.
Moreover, the comfort level is not optimal: you cannot gradually increase the intensity, so if you are not careful when removing your hand, you may receive a slight shock. Personally, I preferred to invest in a device of assured quality, or at worst, have it done by a professional.
***
Do you have any comments or questions? Your comments are welcome 🙂 !
You may also like:
Written by Nelly Darbois
I founded this website in 2012. Since then, I’ve been providing information and positive support to people suffering from excessive sweating. I’m also a physical therapist and science writer, living in French Alps 🌞❄️.