Presenting the Evidence on Topical Oxygen Therapy in Wound Healing

Oxygen is an essential factor in all stages of wound healing. Lack of oxygen delivery causes prolonged, or stalled, healing as well as contributes to wound chronicity

In a recent conference lecture, Windy Cole, DPM, spoke on the mechanisms of action, utility, and latest evidence behind topical oxygen therapy in wound care. Dr. Cole also presented past wound cases as a point of reference. This session was held on Saturday, October 15.

Managing bacterial infection in wounded tissues can be challenging for clinicians, especially when the need for oxygen is not considered. Dr. Cole notes that not all oxygen is used for energy; oxygen is also converted into reactive oxygenase species, which contribute to protecting the wound against infection. When oxygen levels are inadequate, the number of wound infections increases and the healing process is stalled.

During the conference proceeding, Dr. Cole presents the latest evidence on the role of topical oxygen in the management of chronic wounds. The evidence reported showed no single topical oxygen therapy is widely used throughout the care of wounds, but increasing evidence shows its effectiveness as an adjunct therapy to expedite healing.¹ In a more recent study, the authors reported the outcomes of a study in which 128 patients with a nonhealing diabetic foot ulcer were treated with topical oxygen therapy.² The study showed 52% of wounds healed completely, and when compared with the control, 71% and 73% of wounds had a greater healing rate and greater average percent reduction in wound size, respectively.

Additional information presented in the lecture included wound cases the speaker had treated using topical oxygen therapy as an adjunct therapy to promote the wound healing process.

—Jaclyn Gaydos, Sr. Managing Editor

Information was adapted from a conference lecture by Windy Cole, DPM, at the 2022 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall. Dr. Cole is an SAWC Faculty member and Director of Wound Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

References

1.    Dissemond J, Kröger K, Storck M, Risse A, Engels P. Topical oxygen wound therapies for chronic wounds: a review. J Wound Care. 2015;24(2):53-63. doi:10.12968/jowc.2015.24.2.53

2.    Serena TE, Bullock NM, Cole W, et al. Topical oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a multicentre, open, randomised controlled clinical trial. J Wound Care. 2021;30(Suppl 5):S7-S14. doi:10.12968/jowc.2021.30.Sup5.S7