Ozone Therapy: Innovative Approach for Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 7.5 million Americans, making it a common skin condition. It can be challenging to deal with the red patches and silvery scales that can appear anywhere on the body, making it difficult to cover up and causing discomfort. This skin condition can also lead to social isolation due to unwanted attention and questions. Moreover, the relentless itch can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

However, with advances in treatment options, living with psoriasis doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Ozone therapy is one of the promising treatment options that are helping improve psoriatic skin lesions. With that said let’s dive into the science behind this innovative therapy, and what advantages can it bring to psoriasis patients.

How Ozone Therapy Works with Psoriasis

Ozone therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes ozone gas to increase the supply of oxygen to areas of the body that are diseased or damaged. Since human cells thrive in high-oxygen environments, pathogens that cause diseases cannot survive in such conditions. Ozone therapy exposes these harmful microorganisms to high levels of oxygen, effectively destroying them.

In the case of psoriasis, ozone therapy has been shown to improve the skin’s condition by neutralizing toxins in the blood, reducing inflammation, decreasing swelling, and softening the skin. The increased levels of oxygen may also boost the immune system’s ability to combat stress and enhance overall health.

Ozone therapy can be administered in various ways, including autohemotransfusion (drawing blood, mixing it with ozone, and reintroducing it into the bloodstream), topical application, or direct injection. Your doctor will assist you in preparing for the therapy, and it is essential to get a good night’s sleep before the session, avoid alcoholic beverages, drink plenty of water, and have a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the therapy.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy for Treating Psoriasis

While there are several treatment options available for treating psoriasis, some individuals may not respond to traditional therapies, and others may experience side effects.

Ozone therapy is a non-invasive and promising treatment option for psoriasis that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Here are some benefits of ozone therapy for treating psoriasis:

1. Increased oxygen supply: Ozone therapy increases the supply of oxygen to the affected area, which helps to improve the condition of the skin. High oxygen levels also help to kill bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of infections.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Ozone therapy has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. This helps to relieve the itching, redness, and discomfort that psoriasis can cause.
3. Detoxification: Ozone therapy can help to detoxify the body by removing harmful toxins and chemicals from the bloodstream. This can help to reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys and improve overall health.
4. Boosts the immune system: Ozone therapy has been shown to stimulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting infections and diseases.
5. Minimal side effects: Ozone therapy is generally safe and has few side effects compared to traditional psoriasis treatments such as steroids or immunosuppressants.

Ozone therapy is a promising treatment option for psoriasis that can provide significant benefits for those who are struggling with the condition.

How Ozone Therapy is administrated to Psoriasis Patients

There are various methods of administering ozone therapy, but here are the most common ways ozone therapy is done for treating psoriasis:

1. Autohemotherapy: This is the most common method used to administer ozone therapy for psoriasis. It involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, mixing it with medical-grade ozone, and then returning the mixture back to the patient’s body via an intramuscular or intravenous injection. This method is believed to help stimulate the immune system, improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation.
2. Topical application: Another method of administering ozone therapy for psoriasis is through topical application. A topical cream or gel containing medical-grade ozone is applied directly to the affected area of the skin. This method is believed to help decrease inflammation, reduce itching and redness, and promote healing of the skin.
3. Bagging: Bagging is a method of administering ozone therapy that involves placing the affected area of the body, such as a limb, inside a bag or container filled with medical-grade ozone. The ozone gas is then allowed to circulate around the affected area, helping to improve oxygen supply, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

The number of ozone therapy sessions required for treating psoriasis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to the treatment. Typically, ozone therapy sessions for psoriasis are conducted 2-3 times a week, with each session lasting between 30 minutes to an hour.

Potential Risk and Side Effects of Ozone Therapy

While ozone therapy for psoriasis is generally considered safe and non-invasive, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Here are some of the potential risks and side effects of ozone therapy for psoriasis patients:

1. Skin irritation: In some cases, ozone therapy may cause skin irritation, redness, or itching at the injection site or treated area. This is usually a mild and temporary side effect that resolves within a few hours or days.
2. Herxheimer reaction: Ozone therapy can cause a temporary worsening of symptoms due to the release of toxins from dying cells. This is known as a Herxheimer reaction, which can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and muscle aches. This reaction is usually mild and temporary and can be managed with rest and hydration.
3. Infection: There is a risk of infection when administering ozone therapy, especially if the equipment is not properly sterilized. This risk can be minimized by ensuring that the ozone therapy is conducted in a sterile environment and with equipment that meets the necessary safety standards.
4. Blood clots: There is a theoretical risk of blood clots or embolisms with autohemotherapy, where blood is drawn and then reintroduced to the patient’s bloodstream. However, this risk is extremely rare and can be minimized by following proper protocols.
5. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to medical-grade ozone. This can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms during or after ozone therapy, seek medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, while psoriasis has no cure, ozone therapy has shown promising results in improving symptoms, even in severe cases. This treatment option can help control psoriasis inflammation, which may reduce the risk of other inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. With proper management and care, psoriasis patients can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of associated health conditions.