Homemade Iontophoresis

[kungfumonkey]

If anybody is interested, I am going to design an iontophoresis machine that will be very inexpensive to build at around $40 (US). I think it's ridiculous that companies charge so much money for something that helps people. I think we can do it cheaper and tailor it to our needs. I look forward to everyone's input.

Here's the idea:

-It will have two tubs, or pans if you will. One for the right hand / foot, and one for the left hand / foot. This will allow the hands or feet to be completely submerged in water to give even treatment throughout the entire surface area of the skin.
-It will output as much power as the Drionic and it will be adjustable too. I have bought the drionic and used it. I liked it. It worked. The only problem was that it left my hands with patches of dry skin. The rest of my hands were unaffected. It didn't even work on my feet at all. I bought it cash and it was expensive.
-It will look presentable. The electronic components will be concealed in a box. There will be an "on" light. There will be an "intensity" or power dial/knob.
-It will not require a prescription or whatever because I will build it, test it, and put the plans on here so you all can build it and test it. I will find stores online with part numbers so you all can get the exact parts you need.
-It will be cheap, and it will work. I'm tired of the exact opposite. I'm sure you all are too.

Please post suggestions/ideas here so everyone can get involved. You'd be surprised that even a crazy sounding idea is a good one.

I'd like to see ideas like, "Could we make one with gloves, so I can use my hands instead of leaving them in plastic tubs of water? I hate getting used to uncomfortable methods of treatment." Wouldn't that be awesome! How about, "Put a power meter on it so I can see how much power's coming out." Maybe, "Put hydraulics, subs and a light kit on it." - just kidding... Anyway, we can figure it out together and make it work.

I can't wait to see how this turns out. There will be many pictures to come...

If you are a guest and just browsing, please don't be afraid to register. It's easy and we need your input too!

[jimmy]

The only problem I have is knowing what Voltage is used. On the back of my Idrostar it says 43V/1000Ohms max. But the actual voltage could be much lower.

Also another concern for me would be whther there is any danger of using electricity near plastics, maybe some harmful chemicals are released?

Same for the electrode plates, mine are stainless steel, I have seen others of aluminium and nickel free stailess steel. If you buy say alu or stainless from a hardware store, how do you know the exact compositon of the metal adn is it safe?

Other than those points I'm interested as I'm sure others are.
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UK age23

[kungfumonkey]

You're absolutely right. The thing about DIY-ers is, they want to get straight to the point and make it work! I know because I love making stuff work. The real problem is doing it right and playing it safe.

With iontophoresis, everything in the water that can fit under your skin will. I was concerned about using aluminum a while back because of all the scares about getting Alzheimer's from aluminum. I still don't know if that's true or not, but the only thing I want going under my skin is water deposits like calcium - not metals...

I'll do some research about harmful plastics and metals...

[jimmy]

Calcium is also a metal, so its whether waht goes into the skin is harmful, not whether is is metal or not. http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Ca/chem.html

I know that you can get aluminium plates for the Idromed machine. Even though I think the Alzeihmers (spelling? ) is prob a scare story I'd rather stick with stainless steel.

According to Hyper hyrdo (no longer here but on social phobia world) his SS plates corroded quickly, however my SS plates on my Idrostar have not corroded at all. Obviously they must be using different sypes of SS.
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UK age23

[rekluse]

Great idea! I'm sure there are alot of people out there (including myself) who would really benefit from this. Please let us know your progress as I am very interested.

Just a couple of questions.

Were you planning on using batteries or a transformer? For a DIY job I would feel safer with batteries.

Will it have a current limiter? I think iontophoresis only uses 15ma max so I would feel safer if the current was limited to this.

Thanks!!!

[bright orange]

Any update on this?

I am considering buying an iontophoresis unit, but the price seems high for such a simple design. The basics include two electrodes and some way to measure and adjust the current.

As for the metal, that's just a matter of finding a good supplier. I doubt that the companies that make these machines actually vigorously inspect the quality of their metal pads anyway.

[jimmy]

I'm pretty sure they do check before manufacturing. It's a medical device, so the metal will have to conform to some regulations. Metals come in various compositions, you don't want any toxic metals to be in your plates. JUst buying stainless steel from a hardware store could be dangerous, as you probably don't know whats actually in it.
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UK age23

[mrwork]

This is a great idea. I actually was planning to build one myself as my master's thesis project revolves around electrophysiology. It's actually quite simple to build one of these devices and also very safe as it uses DC current as opposed to AC. As for voltages, typically 50V is the max level used. Since the electrodes are quite large the skin impedance presented to the device should be very low (under 1kohms)

[Tenom]

If you need any help with your project contact me.
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What we can do, we will try to do.

[alph]

Had a hell of a time registering. Would suck for someone with rejection issues.

I was wondering how this was going.

[bukitimah]

Hi, I am from Singapore. None of the products here are available in Singapore. Either I buy off the web site or I have to make my own.

I have only 1 question, what voltage do I need? I tried using a 24 DC >300 mAmps but I don't feel anything. Any suggestion?

[bukitimah]

Hi, I just wish to share my experience here. I have yet to secure a iontophoresis machine but I tried out using a normal electronic massage machine and placing the pads on my palms. (dry)

After 10 days, I thought I am getting some result but alas, I was wrong. I sweat just as bad after my trip oversea. I am now back home and I now place the electrode prodes into 2 plastic containers filled with water. I am still on my 5 days trial and as reported by many, it usually takes about 10 days to see result.

I will update if indeed it help before I serously consider a proper iontophoresis machine.

[bukitimah]

Hi, it is me again. Today will be my 10th day trying out using my method but honestly speaking, I didn't notice any improvement at all.

I just went over to the local hardware store to purchase the following items.

A 240 AC to 24 DC 800 mA adaptor, a 240 AC to 12 V DC 800 mA adaptor, 2 nos of crocodile clips, a pair of twin cable and 2 stainless steel tray.

I will try the 24 Volt DC adaptor and if it is too strong, I will switch the the 12 Volt. Will update again if this work.

[bukitimah]

Dear all,

Yes, you can make you own iontophoresis machine, no question about this. Whatever brand out there, it is basically a step down transformer sending low current to the water. The intensity knob is basically adjusting the voltage thus controlling the current through you body. It you wish to do that, you need a control circuit but that is a bit more difficult.

You just has to decide how much you want to 'feel', from 6 to 24 Volt. But I won't recommend anything exceeding 24 volt. If you are not technically savvy, then go for rechargeable batteries.

Now, how to make the machine? this gentleman has a video to show you step by step

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0pj2tf6_4#EseczMf6hsY

Now the part on making your own machine is done. Will this work? I am testing it out today. If this thing don't work for me, I don't think any other brand would honestly.

[bukitimah]

Hi fellow HH members. Yesterday was my 4th day of treatment using this 'Home-made' device.

From my observation, the sweating seems to have reduced quite a fair bit. I am quite confident to say it is at least 50% better now. But, it is still too early to say this works for me. Will update you guys again.

I am hopeful my experience can help those without access to the proper iontophoresis machine or just can't afford to purchase them can still treat it using simple self made device.