Dermatology
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an oxygen based treatment that can help with many skin problems. It works by letting you breathe near 100% oxygen via a mask in a special room where the air pressure is higher than normal. This extra oxygen can help your skin heal faster and look healthier, which is great for people with certain skin problems, or else that have recently had certain skin treatments.
How HBOT Works for Dermatology
HBOT helps with circulation problems in several ways. Patients breathe near 100% pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber (2 ATA) for ≥1 hours during multiple sessions.
1. Increased Oxygenation:
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps the oxygen reach areas with poor circulation.
2. New Blood Vessel Growth (Angiogenesis):
HBOT stimulates the body to grow new blood vessels, which improves the blood supply to damaged skin.
3. Better Blood Flow:
It helps lower blood pressure by regulating factors that relax blood vessels.
4. Reduces Inflammation:
HBOT lowers the levels of harmful proteins in the blood, which helps reduce inflammation.
5. Activating Stem Cells
HBOT stimulates the release of stem cells that help in tissue repair and increases growth factors, helping the skin to heal.
6. Collagen Production
HBOT helps produce collagen, an important protein that is one of the body’s building blocks. The body needs collagen to form new skin and close wounds. THBOT by stimulating collagen production, it can increase skin elasticity, which can help improve the appearance and condition of your skin.
7. Fighting Infection
HBOT boosts the ability of white blood cells to fight off infections and helps stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
Benefits of HBOT for Dermatological Issues
HBOT is generally safe and well-tolerated. Patients with the following dermatological issues can experience several benefits:
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis:
Psoriasis causes red, scaly skin patches. HBOT has been shown to help by improving immune cell function and reducing inflammation. Studies and patient cases have reported significant improvements in symptoms.
Atopic Dermatitis:
This condition causes red, swollen, and itchy skin. HBOT has helped reduce these symptoms, including itching and sleep problems. Research shows HBOT can lower harmful immune substances in the blood, improving overall skin health.
Skin Damage and Scarring:
HBOT is used after surgery to help patients recovery and speed up wound closure. It can be used to reduce skin damage and scarring after cosmetic procedures. It speeds up healing and reduces the risk of complications like tissue infection and tissue death. In Japan and South Korea, HBOT is used for various skin conditions such as acne and scarring, as well as post-cosmetic procedure recovery.
Hair Transplant Recovery:
After hair transplants, HBOT helps to reduce hair follicle loss and inflammation, improving recovery and results.
Post-Cosmetic Procedure Recovery:
HBOT can protect against skin damage and help recovery after plastic surgery. It helps in reducing post-procedural swelling, minimising scarring, and accelerating the overall healing process. One of the FDA approved uses of hyperbaric oxygen is to help skin grafts and skin flaps heal and recover, hence its growing popularity after plastic surgery and other treatments. Please see the article on pre/ post-surgery for more information.
Post-Chemical Peel:
After chemical peels, HBOT helps the skin heal faster and reduces redness, scaling, and itching.
Skin Renewal and Anti-Ageing:
Recent studies suggest HBOT can reduce signs of ageing at the cellular level. It may decrease the number of damaged cells, improve skin elasticity, increase collagen, and enhance blood vessel growth, leading to healthier skin.
Practical Considerations
Client Selection:
HBOT is generally well tolerated and can be helpful for people with chronic skin conditions or recovering from certain cosmetic procedures. However, it is important to consult with your doctor if you have an underlying health condition to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for HBOT.
Treatment Protocols:
Treatments usually last 80 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.
Monitoring Progress:
Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Conclusion
HBOT is increasingly used for both medical and aesthetic dermatology treatments. It shows promise as a treatment for skin problems and in slowing down ageing.
For further information on the use of HBOT for dermatological issues, please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.