All About Drionics (aka, Iontophoresis) For Excessive Sweating

How do you use it? What? They shock you with electricity? Sounds painful. Is it painful? And the questions kept coming.

Dozens of people had written me, asking me about this 'mystery-cure' called "Drionics." (Some of them were pissed too. They'd be like, "What is this darn thing, and why's it so dag-gon expensive?!")

So I did some research.

Then a little more.

Then a little more.

Turns out that Drionics, or iontophoresis therapy is easily the most controversial of all the methods to stop sweating (other than surgery).

Lots of people use them all the time and sweARR by them. Others won't touch 'em with a ten-foot pole.

In this Hubpage, I'm going to teach you some of the stuff I learned from my Drionics reasearch. The three main questions I'll be answering are..

1. What is Drionics and how can it stop sweating?

2. What's the best way to use the machine?

3. Where can I get one, and how much is it gonna run me?

We'll start at the top.

What in the world is the darn thing?

A drionics machine is a battery powered device designed to stop excessive perspiration. It sends very weak electrical currents to shock and temporarily put sweat glands out of business.

It's most commonly used for palm or foot sweating, but they recently came out with an attachment that you can use to make it armpit-friendly also.

That's right, pit sweaters, you too can now roll the Drionics way. (Betcha' didn't know that, did ya?)

How does the darn thing work?

It's very simple actually. You soak each of your hands (or feet) in a special tin of water. These tins are connected to the Drionics machine through some wires. The machine sends low-voltage electric shocks to your hands (or feet) in the water.

This design is for palm sweat and foot sweat. You simply submerge your hands or feet into the water which is being charged with a light buzz of electricity from the box.

What about usin' the dern thing for my stinkin' pits?

There is an attachment you can get that allows you to use it for underarm perspiration.They look kinda' like armpit sweat pads. You get them wet before putting them on, so that they conduct electricity.

Damn thing sounds painfuller n' a sledge hammer.

Some people report that "YES!" it hurts...Others say that it DOESN'T hurt, but actually feels good! Still others say that it's slightly uncomfortable, but not painful.

I suppose it depends on your pain tolerance, and everybody's different.

So if you know yourself to be a wuss, then you'll find it painful.

Likewise, if you're Rambo, you'll probably be alright : )

-- Hot tip --

Most drionics machines allow you to adjust the voltage. Use a low-voltage current.

-- Hot tip --

Studies suggest that low voltage used over long periods of time is more effective than high-voltage used over short periods of time (Wikipedia). So if you try drionics, use a low-voltage current, and stick to the plan.

Well does the dern thing work or not?

The jury's still out on that one.

Some users have reported immediate sweat reduction and positive results. Others said that they used it for days or weeks and nothing happened.

Still others said that nothing happened for them at first, but then it did stop sweating.

-- Another hot tip --

Getting batteries for your machine may be tricky (i.e. costly).

-- Another hot tip --

The batteries that drionics machines use are unique. They're usually available only from the actual manufacturers, which is a major bummer.

Because the drionics batteries are somewhat of a pain-in-the-butt to come by, a lot of users (even if they're having success) quit using drionics once the batteries ran out.

If you quit after the batteries run out, sweat will likely resume as normal.

Alright, well how do I use the dag-gon thing?

Sufferers of excessive underarm perspiration and hyperhidrosis use this therapy in 7 individual sessions spaced over the course of a month.

Each session should consist of 10-15 minutes of current, followed by an additional 10-15 minutes of current reversal.

This method has been effective in about 85% of palm sweat, foot sweat, and underarm sweat hyperhidrosis sufferers (Wikipedia).

Drionics is NOT a permanent cure to stop sweating.

"Maintenance" treatments may be required when the sweating resumes. Each maintenance session of drionics is supposed to stop sweating for six weeks. Every six weeks, you do another session.

If you're looking for something that will stop sweating PERMANENTLY, check out Mechanic Method, which is what me and my brother have spent the last several years developing.

Well where do I get one a those dag-nab machines, and what's it gonna run me dern-it?

There are a bunch of places you can get these online.

One of the more popular sellers of drionics equipment is beathyperhidrosis.com. Their's seems to be the most high-quality (at least most expensive) at around $900 USD.

A less expensive alternative is available at rafisher.com. This one goes for just under $700 USD.

An even less expensive version is available at chirocity.com.

(Here's a sneak-peak at their warnings and instructions label)

1. Ensure that users read the operators manual for the Iontophoresis machine, follow the operating procedures, and understand the associated hazards.

2. Ensure good skin contact with the Iontophoresis machine electrode. Avoid placing electrodes on areas that have been recently shaved or over skin defects; broken skin and/or gaps between skin and electrode offer reduced resistance, thereby resulting in localized higher current concentrations.

3. Advise the patient to report any sensation of pain or burning during treatment of the Iontophoresis machine.

4. Adjust the current output to zero or minimum before the Iontophoresis machine is turned on or off. Do not turn the device on until the electrodes have been placed and the lead wires have been attached to the electrodes and to the device.

5. Do not remove the Iontophoresis machine electrodes or disconnect the lead wires until the power has been turned off.

6. If a problem occurs, remove the Iontophoresis machine from service and have it inspected

-- Last hot tip --

Your insurance company may foot the bill! (Don't you love making your insurance pay for stuff?)

Depending on your coverage, and if you're able to show that you've tried many things to no avail, and that it's a "medical necessity," they may fork out the dough.

A lot of times, they will have you pay up front, and then reimburse you. You will have to get what's called a "letter of necessity" from your doctor. They will know what that it is if you ask for one for your hyperhidrosis.

A little bit of leg-work, but still sweet as honey.

-- Last hot tip --

Also, as always, make sure you consult with a dag-gone doctor before you try any of these dern-ded thangs, you!