Healing Psoriasis with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be a powerful tool for numerous chronic health conditions including autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues. This increased oxygen can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body.

As more and more people discover it’s powerful health benefits, hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment centers have begun popping up just like cryotherapy and infrared sauna centers.
In this article we’ll walk you through what hyperbaric therapy is, its health benefits, and why it’s recommend for psoriasis patients.

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Psoriasis

Hyperbaric therapy can help with autoimmune diseases in several ways such as:

• Firstly, it reduces chronic inflammation that is caused by the immune system. Studies show that hyperbaric therapy has a greater anti-inflammatory effect than steroids, as it increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream, reducing inflammation and pain.

• Secondly, hyperbaric therapy can kill harmful microbes that contribute to autoimmune responses, especially anaerobic microbes that cannot survive in active oxygen. It also improves the function of white blood cells, which are important players in the body’s immune response.

• Finally, hyperbaric therapy can aid in the repair of damaged tissues and organs by saturating the blood plasma with oxygen and enhancing the growth of new blood vessels. Although not FDA-approved for autoimmune diseases, many facilities worldwide offer hyperbaric therapy for “off-label” conditions.

Not only that but also:

This therapy is non-invasive and has few side effects, making it a safe and well-tolerated treatment option.

HBOT can be used in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments, such as topical creams or light therapy, to provide even greater symptom relief. Research into the use of HBOT for psoriasis is ongoing, with promising results indicating its effectiveness as a treatment option.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Psoriasis is done?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves lying on a comfortable table in a specially designed chamber while breathing pure oxygen at increased pressure. The duration of the therapy can vary from just a few minutes up to a couple of hours, depending on the individual’s needs. While inside the chamber, some people may experience mild discomfort due to the increased pressure, which can cause ear pain or a popping sensation.

To ensure safety and avoid oxygen toxicity, patients may take short breaks during the treatment and breathe normal air. This helps to regulate the amount of oxygen that the body absorbs. The therapy is tailored to each person, taking into account their unique health history, age, and overall health to minimize the risk of side effects and complications. Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of health conditions.

Who Should Not Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered safe for psoriasis patients, there are some individuals who should not use this treatment or who should take special precautions before doing so.

People who have certain health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, may experience breathing difficulties during hyperbaric oxygen therapy and should avoid it.

Additionally, those who have a collapsed lung, fever, cold, flu, or other respiratory infections may need to delay or reschedule their hyperbaric oxygen therapy until their condition improves.

People with certain medical implants, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps, should also avoid hyperbaric oxygen therapy as the increased pressure may damage these devices.

Pregnant women are also advised against using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as there is not enough research to determine the safety of this treatment for developing fetuses.

Finally, individuals who have a history of seizures or are at risk for seizures should consult with their healthcare provider before using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as this treatment may trigger seizures in some people.

Disadvantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Like many treatments there are some potential disadvantages and risks to consider if you’re interested in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Psoriasis.

Firstly, the therapy can be time-consuming, as sessions typically last several hours and may require multiple visits. This can be a challenge for people with busy schedules or limited mobility.

Additionally, the therapy can be expensive, and may not be covered by insurance for certain conditions or indications. The cost can be a barrier to access for some individuals.

There is also a small risk of oxygen toxicity, which can cause seizures, fluid buildup in the lungs, or other complications. This risk is typically low, especially when the therapy is administered under the guidance of a trained healthcare provider.

Finally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or concerns, such as severe claustrophobia, lung disease, or certain types of cancer. It is important to discuss any potential risks or concerns with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing the therapy.

As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

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