Liyao Liu ^1,2, Liyue Zeng ^1,2, Lihua Gao ^1,2, Jinrong Zeng ^1,2,✉, Jianyun Lu ^1,2,✉

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PMCID: PMC10333036  PMID: 36527235

Abstract

Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant molecule consisting of triatomic oxygen atoms. Ozone therapy can be achieved using ozonated hydrotherapy, ozonated oil, ozone autohemotherapy, and other innovative dosage forms of ozone products. Ozone is frequently used as a complementary therapy for various cutaneous diseases, including infectious skin diseases, wound healing, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, axillary osmidrosis, diabetic foot, and pressure ulcers. In addition, several studies have reported the superior potential of ozone therapy for improving skin and gut microbiomes, as well as antitumour and antiaging treatment. Ozone therapy is an emerging treatment strategy that acts via complex mechanisms, including antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory capacity, and modulation of local microcirculation. Studies assessing the mechanism of ozone have gradually expanded in recent years. This review article aims to summarise and explore the possible molecular biological mechanisms of ozone in cutaneous diseases and provide compelling theoretical evidence for the application of ozone in cutaneous diseases.

Keywords: anti‐infective agents, antioxidants, immunoregulation, ozone, skin diseases

1. INTRODUCTION

The skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, constitutes the first natural line of defence against external stimulation and pathogens and prevents the loss of nutrition and water. ¹ Frequently, skin diseases exhibit complex etiologies that cannot be effectively addressed using currently available therapeutic agents. Furthermore, unavoidable and significant side effects may be experienced, resulting in multiple physical and psychological adverse events during a prolonged treatment course. Accordingly, there is a need to explore and develop novel therapeutic strategies.