Inflammatory Skin Disease
Inflammatory Dermatoses
Inflammatory dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are being explored as adjunctive HBOT targets. Current support is limited to case reports and small cohorts, suggesting possible benefit in selected, treatment-resistant cases through HBOT's anti-inflammatory and tissue-oxygenating effects. This is Level C evidence — preliminary and investigational — not a substitute for established dermatological therapy.
Evidence summary
Case-level and small-cohort evidence supports HBOT as an adjunct in selected inflammatory skin conditions, primarily atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. A 2025 review and a 2021 paediatric study describe reductions in pruritus, lesion severity, and Staphylococcus aureus colonisation in severe atopic dermatitis after HBOT cycles. Two 2009 case reports document remission of psoriasis vulgaris with HBOT (one pustular/arthropathic case after 6 sessions at 2.8 ATA × 60 min; one plaque case improving after 15 sessions at 2.0 ATA × 90 min). Other inflammatory dermatoses — hidradenitis suppurativa, livedoid vasculopathy, pyoderma gangrenosum — have been described in early-stage clinical reports but lack robust supporting trials. Protocols vary widely and are not standardised; HBOT is positioned as adjunctive, not first-line.
Treatment protocol
Protocol
Pressure
2.0 – 2.8 ATA
Duration
60 – 90 min
Sessions
6 – 30 (highly variable)
Frequency
Daily, protocol-dependent
Evidence basis: Case Reports & Small Studies (not standardised)
References:
See full citations on the references page.
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