Skin healing is a complex biological process that begins immediately after injury and progresses through three distinct stages: inflammation, tissue regeneration and remodelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each stage depends on the successful completion of the previous one and on adequate oxygenation of the injured tissue. Without sufficient oxygen, none of these stages can proceed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The quality of healing ultimately determines how effectively the skin is restored: whether the result is a minimally visible scar or extensive fibrous tissue deposition, and whether normal structure is re-established or functional impairment remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In sensitive areas, including the face, joints and skin affected by burns, high-quality healing is particularly important from both an aesthetic and a functional perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inflammatory phase is essential because it clears the wound and initiates the regenerative process. However, when it persists for too long, it becomes pathological. Neutrophils accumulate and release proteolytic enzymes that damage newly formed tissue rather than supporting its development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This explains why chronic wounds remain open: they are effectively \u201ctrapped\u201d in the inflammatory phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remodelling phase is the final and longest stage, lasting for several months, and determines the ultimate quality of the scar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation of collagen during this phase is directly influenced by local oxygenation. In a well-oxygenated environment, collagen fibres become organised in a parallel and functional arrangement. Under hypoxic conditions, they form disorganised and rigid deposits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The relationship between oxygenation and healing quality is one of the most firmly established principles in wound-healing medicine. Decades of research have shown that local tissue oxygen tension is one of the strongest predictors of healing outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies involving hyperbaric oxygen therapy have reported accelerated epithelialisation, increased hydroxyproline synthesis as a marker of collagen production, reduced bacterial contamination of wounds and improved aesthetic scar quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The activation of growth factors, including EGF, PDGF and TGF-\u03b2, which regulate the sequence of inflammation, regeneration and remodelling, is one of the principal mechanisms through which hyperbaric oxygen therapy may accelerate and improve the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In skin healing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used during any stage of the healing process, with a different objective in each phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the inflammatory phase, the aim is to accelerate the transition to regeneration and prevent persistent pathological inflammation. During the regenerative phase, the focus shifts to supporting collagen synthesis and rapid epithelialisation. During the remodelling phase, the objective is to promote the functional organisation of collagen and the formation of a flexible, minimally visible scar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practical terms, reduced inflammation may allow earlier mobilisation, increased collagen synthesis strengthens the wound mechanically, improved epithelialisation closes the surface more rapidly and neovascularisation supports the long-term blood supply of the scar tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A typical treatment course consists of 10 to 30 sessions, depending on the type and size of the wound, and is planned in collaboration with the dermatologist or surgeon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Skin Healing: Stages and Quality of Healing Skin healing is a complex biological process that begins immediately after injury and progresses through three distinct stages: … <\/p>\n