Oxygen Therapies in Diabetic Foot Treatment: HBOT and Topical Oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and topical oxygen therapy are effective treatment options offered by modern medicine for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. In this article, we will detail the role, effectiveness, and scientific evidence of these treatment methods in healing diabetic foot ulcers.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a modern treatment method that allows patients to breathe in oxygen-rich air at high pressure. This treatment accelerates wound healing by delivering more oxygen to the body.

Benefits of HBOT in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

1. Improving Circulation

   • In diabetic patients, blood flow is generally weak, especially in the feet
   • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen delivery to tissues in patients with open leg vessels
   • It supports wound healing by improving tissue oxygenation

2. Reducing Infections

   • High oxygen pressure enhances the effectiveness of white blood cells fighting bacterial infections
   • It reduces the risk of infection
   • It increases the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment

3. Accelerating Wound Healing

   • Oxygen promotes cellular repair at the cellular level
   • It supports new blood vessel formation
   • It enables faster wound healing

New Generation Topical Oxygen Therapy

Topical oxygen therapy is a modern treatment method that involves applying oxygen directly to the wound. This treatment aims to accelerate healing by increasing the effect of oxygen on the wound.

Advantages of Topical Oxygen Therapy

1. Accelerating Wound Healing

   • Oxygen stimulates cellular activities and blood circulation in the wound
   • It is particularly effective for small and medium-sized wounds
   • It supports tissue regeneration

2. Reducing Infection Risk

   • Oxygen has a negative effect on bacteria
   • Applying oxygen to the wound surface prevents bacterial growth
   • It minimizes the risk of infection

3. Pain Management

   • It reduces inflammation in the wound area
   • It alleviates pain
   • It increases patient comfort

Scientific Evidence and Effectiveness

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and new generation topical oxygen therapy are treatment methods proven to be effective in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. There are many multicenter international scientific studies on the success of HBOT. Topical oxygen therapy is also supported by scientific research.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and topical oxygen therapy are effective treatment options offered by modern medicine for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. These treatments provide significant benefits in accelerating wound healing, reducing infection risk, and managing pain. When selecting a treatment, the most appropriate method should be determined by considering the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the wound, under the guidance of an expert physician.