Hyperbaric Oxygen and Infections of Skin and Bone

Oxygen as Medicine: Treating Skin and Bone Infections with HBOT

Bacteria are a normal part of life and usually don’t cause problems when they remain where they belong—for example, large amounts of E. coli live safely in the intestines, but those same bacteria would be dangerous in the brain, bloodstream, or vital organs. Many harmful bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, and even those that can tolerate oxygen often struggle when exposed to high levels of it. When bacteria complicate wounds, surgical sites, or bone injuries, they can be difficult to treat.

Bone infections, known as osteomyelitis, rarely develop on their own and usually follow an open fracture, surgery, or the placement or removal of hardware. These infections can be especially severe in people with diabetes or poor circulation, where lower-extremity wounds often fail to heal and may progress to the point of requiring partial or even complete amputation. Both diabetes and poor circulation limit the body’s ability to fight infection and repair tissue—making advanced treatments like hyperbaric Oxygen critical in restoring healing.

 

Oxygen as a Defense Against Infection

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) floods the body’s tissues with oxygen at high pressure, creating an environment where harmful bacteria—especially anaerobic types—cannot thrive. By saturating tissue with oxygen, it helps the body fight off stubborn or chronic infections that are often resistant to standard treatments. This oxygen-rich state also enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics, helping them penetrate deeper into infected areas and improving overall outcomes.

Strengthening the Body’s Natural Immunity

Beyond its antibacterial effects, Hyperbaric Oxygen supports the immune system at a cellular level. White blood cells rely on oxygen to effectively destroy pathogens, and under hyperbaric conditions, they work more efficiently and aggressively. This improvement in immune response helps the body clear infections faster while reducing inflammation and tissue damage caused by lingering bacteria.

Oxygen as a Defense Against Infection
hbot Stimulating New Blood Vessel Growth

Stimulating New Blood Vessel Growth

One of the most transformative benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen is its ability to trigger angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. In chronic wounds or damaged tissues, poor circulation prevents healing by starving cells of oxygen and nutrients. HBOT stimulates the release of growth factors that encourage the development of new capillaries, improving oxygen delivery and paving the way for tissue repair.

Boosting Cellular Energy and Repair

Hyperbaric Oxygen also enhances mitogenesis, the process of increasing both the number and function of mitochondria—the energy producers within cells. By providing abundant oxygen, It helps mitochondria generate more ATP, the fuel that powers cellular repair. This surge in energy enables cells to replicate, replace damaged tissue, and accelerate the healing process from the inside out.

Calming Inflammation Naturally

Chronic inflammation can stall healing and damage surrounding tissue. Hyperbaric Oxygen helps rebalance this process by decreasing pro-inflammatory chemicals and increasing anti-inflammatory ones. This shift not only reduces pain, swelling, and redness but also creates an optimal environment for healing to begin.

Building Strong, Healthy Tissue

As inflammation subsides, HBOT stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production—two key components of wound repair. Fibroblasts rebuild the tissue framework, while collagen strengthens and stabilizes the newly formed tissue. Together, these effects promote smooth, organized healing and help reduce the risk of long-term scarring or recurrent wound

Healing Skin Infections with Oxygen: Your HBOT Questions Answered

  • How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help wounds heal faster?

    Delivers 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, allowing your blood plasma to carry up to 20 times more oxygen than normal. This oxygen reaches areas with poor circulation, helping tissues repair, reducing swelling, and promoting new blood vessel growth. By improving oxygen delivery, the therapy supports every stage of the body’s natural healing process.

  • Can it help with infections that won’t go away?

    Yes. Many bacteria, especially anaerobic ones, cannot survive in oxygen-rich environments. Hyperbaric Oxygen helps eliminate these bacteria while also enhancing the body’s immune response. It makes antibiotics more effective and helps white blood cells destroy harmful organisms more efficiently, which is why HBOT is often used for chronic or post-surgical infections.

  • What does i feel like during treatment?

    During an HBOT session, you’ll relax in a comfortable pressurized chamber while breathing pure oxygen. You might feel a slight pressure in your ears—similar to what you experience during takeoff or landing in an airplane—but this typically subsides as the pressure stabilizes. Sessions are generally peaceful, and many patients nap or listen to music during treatment.

  • How many sessions are needed to see results?

    The number of HBOT sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds. Some patients notice improvements after just a few treatments, while chronic wounds or infections may require 20–40 sessions for optimal results. Your medical provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Struggling with a Skin or Bone Infection That Won’t Heal?

Discover how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help your body fight infection, repair damaged tissue, and restore your health. Schedule your consultation with our experienced team today.

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