Application of HBOT in Treating Psoriasis

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a therapy that involves enclosing a patient in a pressure chamber and delivering 100% oxygen at an elevated atmospheric pressure. The chamber can be a monoplane chamber that fits one patient or a multiplace chamber that fits multiple patients. With the elevation of the atmospheric pressure, the lungs can gather more oxygen compared to normal air pressure. HBOT is considered a regenerative medicine, as it treats injuries and diseases by using the body's regenerative properties. HBOT has been approved by the FDA to treat several diseases, including skin diseases. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which can cause problems in multiple organs. These problems include skin cell production in the deepest skin layer being accelerated, where immature cells build on the skin surface causing flaky, crusty patches covered with scales. Current treatments for psoriasis include biological injections, oral agents, phototherapy, and topical corticosteroids. However, current treatment for psoriasis poses a substantial economic burden due to lifelong care and continuous treatment. A treatment that has less economic burden and is less invasive would be an ideal alternative to treat psoriasis. This technique update focuses on the use of HBOT as a treatment for psoriasis.