a 23-year - old engineering graduate presented with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis , for which he was advised an alternate day schedule of tap water iontophoresis .
on his next visit , he presented with a very simple iontophoresis device that he devised on his own .
the device was constructed with a rechargeable 12 volt battery , two aluminum trays and copper wires , and connecting clamps [ figure 1 ] .
hence , using his engineering background he constructed this simple device based on basic mechanism behind iontophoresis .
he followed an alternate day schedule of 20 min utes immersion for initial 4 weeks , followed by once a week for next 8 weeks .
he achieved an excellent reduction in palmoplantar sweating without any adverse effect , within 3 months of starting iontophoresis . a simple user - made iontophoresis device
iontophoresis is defined as passing of an ionized substance through intact skin by application of direct current ( dc ) .
tap water iontophoresis is a reliable and effective method for the treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis , when practiced with appropriate technique and timing .
many dermatologists consider simple tap water iontophoresis to be first line therapy for primary focal palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis .
the mechanism of production of anhidrosis is not completely understood ; however , obstruction of sweat duct has been suggested as a possible cause .
few brands of iontophoresis devices are commercially available ; however , they are expensive and are not readily available . commercially available
construction of an iontophoresis device has been described by levit , in which output of the 115 volt isolation transformer is rectified by the full wave selenium rectifier and then filtered by the choke and capacitors , and the potentiometer acts as a voltage divider .
levit had suggested that such devices can be constructed at home , and circuit diagram could be found in his original report , but we feel that the procedure for assembling such a device will be difficult for a layperson . for tap water iontophoresis , patients are instructed to apply petroleum jelly with a cotton swab to cover any cuts over the treated area before the session .
the trays should be filled with tap water , then , the affected areas should be immersed in the tap water .
a monday - wednesday - friday schedule should be followed until the condition improves ; subsequently , the treatment should be tapered once a week for 8 weeks and then once a month for maintenance .
additionally , the patient should wear rubber or plastic footwear and should keep himself from directly touching the floor . burning and pin pricking sensations are very common and
erythema and vesiculation are transient ; topical corticosteroids cream can be applied for persistent erythema and vesiculation .
pregnant women , people with pacemaker or metal implants , cardiac conditions , or epilepsy are contradictions for the use of iontophoresis machine .
once a home device is obtained and the patient has received adequate education and training , the maintenance cost and effort are minimal for the patient and health care provider alike .
iontophoresis machines basically produce a voltage sufficient to drive a dc of 15 - 20 ma through the hands of patients .
an ampere - meter could be used to measure the output current of such user - made devices and can upgrade the voltage of the battery , provided the output is low in terms of current .
simple user - made devices such as this one would make the process of iontophoresis very easy , safe , and cost - effective . there are no conflicts of interest .
 iontophoresis is defined as passing of an ionized substance through intact skin by application of direct electric current . 
 tap water iontophoresis is reliable and effective method for treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhydrosis when practiced with appropriate technique and timing . 
 one of the major setback for using iontophoresis is that the apparatus is expensive and is not readily available . 
 a simple user - made iontophoresis device have been described here , which could be easily constructed and used at home . 