Iontophoresis-assisted transdermal drug delivery for the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses: A review

Inflammatory dermatoses, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and acne vulgaris, pose significant challenges in dermatological treatment due to the skin’s natural barrier, the stratum corneum(SC), which limits the efficacy of topical formulations. Iontophoresis, a non-invasive technique that applies low-level electrical currents to enhance transdermal drug delivery, has emerged as a promising solution to overcome these barriers. This review explores the application of iontophoresis-assisted drug delivery for treating inflammatory skin conditions, focusing on its mechanisms, benefits, and potential for combination with existing topical formulations. Iontophoresis enhances the penetration of both small molecules, such as corticosteroids, and biological macromolecules, including monoclonal antibodies and nucleic acid-based therapies, into deeper skin layers. This optimized therapeutic delivery maximizes localized efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure and potential adverse effects. Furthermore, when combined with other transdermal enhancement techniques such as microneedles and sonophoresis, iontophoresis demonstrates synergistic effects, facilitating the delivery of challenging drug molecules and enabling controlled, targeted release. Recent advances in wearable iontophoresis devices present new opportunities for continuous and patient-friendly drug administration, particularly for chronic conditions requiring long-term management. Despite these advantages, challenges such as variability in skin response, potential irritation, and device costs remain. Further research and technological advancements are needed to optimize iontophoresis systems for broader clinical applications. Overall, this review highlights the versatility and prospects of iontophoresis as an innovative therapeutic approach in managing inflammatory dermatoses. • Non-Invasive Technique: Uses mild electrical currents to drive charged/ionic drugs across the SC via:Electrorepulsion (ER) and Electroosmosis (EO). • Synergistic Combinations:Iontophoresis combined with other techniques significantly boosts efficacy: chemical enhancers,sonophoresis and microneedles. • Innovative Designs: Flexible, self-powered systems enable continuous, patient-friendly drug administration.