Hyperhidrosis — also known as excessive sweating — is more common than many might think, according to a 2016 study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research by Burke Inc. Earlier studies cited by the study estimated that on average, 2.8% of the U.S. population suffered from hyperhidrosis. The Burke study reports the prevalence of the medical condition averages 4.8% of the population, or about 3 million people. Primary hyperhidrosis results from overactive sympathetic nerves in the underarms, palms, soles, or the craniofacial regions (head, face, and scalp). Secondary hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating in all body regions — typically results from other medical conditions or prescription medications, according to Burke.
Montreal-based Dermadry Laboratories developed a home anti-sweat treatment device. The Dermadry machine uses iontophoresis to treat primary hyperhidrosis, which is the the most common form of the condition. Iontophoresis is a noninvasive treatment that is drug-free and needle-free.
The treatment works by interfering with the sympathetic nervous system in the areas of excessive sweating by sending a mild electrical current to the problem area. The Dermadry home unit includes a controller, electrodes for underarms, hands, or feet; cotton towels for hand or foot applications; and cotton underarm pockets to hold the underarm electrodes. The cotton towel and underarm pockets protect the skin from the electrodes. Tap water in a tray or soaked into the underarm pockets conducts electricity between the electrodes via minerals in the water.
To treat hands or feet, the user pours tap water in a tray, connects with the controller with included cables, puts the electrodes in the water, and put the towels over the electrodes in the tray. The user then puts their hands or feet on the towel directly over the electrodes. Trays aren’t necessary for treating underarms because the water-soaked underarm pockets hold the electrodes. Once everything is hooked up, the user turns on the controller at the highest comfortable setting.
Dermadry recommends treatments of 15 to 20 minutes per day, five days a week, for up to six weeks. According to the company, an initial series of treatments can last up to six weeks. After the initial treatment period, Dermadry recommends one treatment per week to maintain the benefit.
In an internal Dermadry survey of 749 users, 98.3% reported reducing their sweat levels with the home iontophoresis treatment machine. Self-reported success isn’t rigorous evidence, especially without an objective means of measuring change. However, the Dermadry home machine is FDA cleared and also licensed by Health Canada.
Dermadry sells the machine on its website for $349 at the time this is published, on sale from its normal $499 price.
