As mentioned before, the passage of a small electric current (around 15 mA) through the skin tends to stop the sweat glands from working for quite a while. This process, called iontophoresis, works by "injecting" electrically charged ions into the skin, which interact with the sweat glands and ducts to cause them to stop secreting sweat; it may work by plugging the ducts up in a manner similar to the antiperspirants. Regular tap water is used, as it has dissolved salts and minerals that can carry the electric current, rather than more expensive electrolyte solutions. Some physicians have recommended the iontophoresis of medications such as Robinul® (glycopyrrolate) to further cut down on sweating. There are some machines that can only be used by physicians, but there is one commercial machine, the Drionic® device, that can be purchased with a doctor's prescription, and used regularly at home. This machine comes in two forms, one that only works on hands or feet, and the other that is designed to work only on the underarms. Both use tap water and batteries to administer the current to the skin between the two pads of the Drionic® machine. Treatment usually requires 20 minutes of use at each site for a few times a week, and then once the perspiration has stopped, the machine is not used until it starts up again. Although this device has been proven safe and effective, and has been very useful to many, it can only treat the hands/feet and underarms, and cannot be used on the head, face, groin, chest or back; in addition, it does not control the flushing that is often associated with hyperhidrosis. For people who have many areas of excessive sweating, this may not prove practical, but for people who are bothered at treatable locations, this machine and treatment may be an option, after receiving a doctor's prescription and instruction for the safe use of this medical device.

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