Re: does iontophoresis really works and if yes how?

Rafael,
  Iontophoresis is a recognized theraputic method for delivering ionic 
compounds, i.e. drugs, into and through the skin by applying electical 
current. It has proven to be a beneficial treatment for many localized 
skin disorders such as; nail diseases, Herpies lesions, psoriasis, 
eczematous, and cutanious T-cell lymphoma.  The method has also been 
reported useful for topical anesthesia to the skin prior to cut-down for 
artificial kidney dialysis, insertion of tracheotomey tubes and 
infiltration of lidocaine into the skin prior to venipuncture. Treatment 
of various musculoskeletal disorders with anti-inflammatory agents has 
been reported in the literature. 

  Iontophoresis enhances the transdermal delivery of ionized drugs through 
the skin's outermost layer (stratum corneum) which is the main barrier to 
drug transport.  The absorption rate of the drug is increased, however, 
once the drug passes through the skin barrier natural diffusion and 
circulation are required to shuttle the drug to its proper location. 

  The mechanism by which iontophoresis works is  based upon the knowledge 
that like electrical charges repel. Application of a positive current from 
an electrode to a solution applied to a skin surface will drive the 
positively charged drug ions away from the electrode and into the skin. 
Obviously, negatively charged ions will behave in the same manner.

  I hope this information is helpful. You can find many interesting 
literature references in the MEDLINE database concerning thereputic uses 
of iontophoresis. Good luck.

                          Jeffrey Stiefel