Skin oxygen tension is improved by immersion in oxygen-enriched water

ObjectiveThe perceived health and physiologic functioning of skin depends on adequate oxygen availability. Economical and easily used therapeutic approaches to increase skin oxygenation could improve the subjective appearance of the skin as well as support the management of some cutaneous conditions related to chronic hypoxic ischaemia (e.g. ulcerative wounds). We have tested the hypothesis that the O-2 partial pressure of skin (PskO(2)) increases during immersion in water enriched with high levels of dissolved oxygen. MethodsA commercially available device was used to produce water containing 45 to 65mgL(-1) of dissolved O-2. Young adults (YA; n=7), older adults (OA; n=13) and older adults with diabetes (OAD; n=11) completed different experiments that required them to immerse their feet in tap water (<2mgL(-1) of O-2; control) or O-2-enriched water (O-2-H2O; experimental) for 30min. Transcutaneous oximetry was used to measure PskO(2) for 20min pre- and post-immersion. ResultsPre-immersion mean (standard deviation) PskO(2) on the plantar surface of the big toe was 75 (10), 67 (10) and 65 (10) mmHg in YA, OA and OAD, respectively. Post-immersion PskO(2) was 244 (25), 193 (28) and 205 (28) mmHg for the same groups. We also show that post-immersion PskO(2) varies by location and with advancing age. ConclusionWater is an effective vehicle for transporting dissolved O-2 across the skin surface and could be used as a basis for development of economical therapeutic approaches that improve skin oxygen tension to support skin health and function.