What Is Psoriasis and What Are Its Symptoms?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterised by a markedly accelerated rate of cellular renewal. Instead of the normal cycle of 28 to 30 days, epidermal cells are renewed within 3 to 5 days, leading to an accumulation of immature cells on the skin’s surface and the formation of characteristic silvery-white plaques. It is estimated to affect approximately 2% to 3% of the global population.
Beyond the skin, psoriasis is associated with systemic inflammation, which increases cardiovascular risk and may manifest as psoriatic arthritis in up to 30% of patients.
Symptoms such as itching, dryness, joint pain and visible skin changes can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and psychological well-being.
Characteristics of Psoriasis
At the microvascular level, psoriatic plaques are characterised by extensive neovascularisation. These newly formed blood vessels are structurally immature, excessively permeable and dysfunctional, contributing to the inflammatory process rather than regulating it.
At the same time, chronic inflammation generates local oxidative stress, which further impairs keratinocyte function and reinforces the pathological cycle of excessive cell proliferation.
A defining feature of psoriasis is its tendency to relapse. Stress, infections, certain medications and skin trauma may trigger new flare-ups.
Management is usually lifelong, with treatment regimens adjusted according to the severity of the condition and the patient’s response.
Scientific Basis
Scientific research into the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in psoriasis is still developing, with encouraging clinical findings.
Studies have reported reductions in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) among patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment, particularly in cases of moderate to severe psoriasis that had not responded fully to conventional therapy.
The proposed mechanism includes suppression of the Th17/IL-23 immune pathway, which plays a central role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, reduction of oxidative stress within psoriatic tissue and improvement in the structural quality of newly formed blood vessels within the plaques. These emerging findings are attracting increasing interest within the scientific community.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In psoriasis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used as an adjunctive option. It is never intended to replace dermatological treatment or biologic therapies in severe forms of the condition. Its purpose is to complement the treatment plan with an intervention that addresses inflammation and oxidative stress at a biological level.
Increased tissue oxygenation may suppress the inflammatory cytokines that drive pathological keratinocyte proliferation, reduce the oxidative stress that aggravates the condition and activate antioxidant enzymes that protect skin tissue.
Improved skin microcirculation may also support the skin’s natural capacity for regulation and repair.
A typical treatment course consists of 20 to 30 sessions, planned in close collaboration with the dermatologist.