Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Skin Diseases Treatment

The 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 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. 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, second degree burns and complications after cosmetic procedures. The review was based on the works published in the last twenty years (1999-2019), available in the following databases: PubMed, GoogleSchoolar, PEDro. The use of HBOT is becoming more common in the treatment of skin complications of 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.