Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Skin Disease Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves the use of 100% pure oxygen in conditions of increased pressure, exceeding atmospheric pressure. This allows the supply of several times more oxygen to the internal organs and blood serum than when using standard pressure. HBOT has proven to support the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases, complications of metabolic diseases and burns, as confirmed by clinical studies. In addition, this therapy can also be used to improve the physiological condition of the skin after cosmetology procedures.Objectives: The aim of this work is to review information on the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetic foot, 2nd-degree burns and complications following cosmetic procedures.Method: The review was based on the works published in the last 20 years (1999-2019), available in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and PEDro.Results and conclusions: The use of HBOT is becoming more common in the treatment of skin complications related to diabetes, as well as burn wounds. It is estimated that HBOT reduces the risk of foot ulcers and amputation in diabetic foot syndrome. In addition, HBOT promotes faster healing of burn wounds, also with the use of allogenic skin grafts. By increasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly supports the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Despite this, the exact mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen are still poorly understood, and the use of HBOT in the treatment of skin diseases has not yet been included in treatment protocols.

Keywords

• HBOT
• atopic dermatitis
• psoriasis
• diabetic foot
• burns