Iontophoresis, a medical device used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), is being investigated for the treatment of bromhidrosis. This off-label use of the device is gaining popularity among doctors and patients alike

What Is Iontophoresis

Those in the hyperhidrosis community are likely aware of iontophoresis given that it has been used successfully in the management of hyperhidrosis for about 100 years, but use of iontophoresis in bromhidrosis does not have the same history, which is why I will cover the basics here.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to reduce sweat production. The exact way that the device works is not completely understood, but the leading theory is that the ions in the water used for iontophoresis form a mechanical blockage in the sweat glands.

Eccrine vs. Apocrine Sweat Glands

Iontophoresis is usually associated with the blockage of eccrine sweat glands because it is the eccrine sweat glands that are implicated in hyperhidrosis. This stands in contrast to bromhidrosis where the apocrine sweat glands are the ones responsible for body odor. Fortunately, it appears that iontophoresis also blocks the apocrine sweat glands, which is why iontophoresis is being used as a treatment for bromhidrosis.

Less Apocrine Sweat = Less Odor

As covered in a prior post, the bacteria that cause body odor feed on the protein-rich output of the apocrine sweat glands; therefore, less odor is created.

It is important to understand that iontophoresis is not an antibacterial so it may be necessary to also use an antibacterial product like clindamycin for comprehensive management of body odor.