The role of oxygen in wound healing: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: The presence of oxygen is necessary for normal wound healing. Oxygen has been given as a therapeutic modality to assist and speed wound healing.

Objective: The objective was to summarize the role of oxygen in wound healing.

Materials and methods: A literature review of clinical and basic science studies regarding oxygen and wound healing was conducted.

Results: Hypoxia appears to jump start wound healing via hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and reepithelialization. Nonetheless, oxygen is often required to start or sustain other wound healing processes.

Conclusion: Both the absence and the presence of oxygen have effects on wound healing; however, its role is not completely understood. Although hyperbaric oxygen and topical oxygen therapy have been described in aiding wound healing, case-controlled prospective studies are lacking and evidence for their efficacy is inconsistent. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.