Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Dermatology

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is breathing 100% oxygen while under increased atmospheric pressure. As we all know local hypoxia predisposes wounds to infection due to the decrease of free radicals needed for neutrophil-mediated killing of bacteria. Hyperbaric oxygen restores these free radicals and also protects tissue from hypoxia. There are two types of chambers which hyperbaric oxygen may be performed; multiplace and monoplace chamber. Multiplace chambers allow closer monitoring of critical patients, while monoplace chambers are suitable for the treatment of chronic conditions in stable patients.