What it is
Serious burns injure far beyond what's visible: around the obviously destroyed tissue lies a "zone of stasis" — burned but salvageable tissue that often dies over the following days from swelling and clotting microcirculation.
How hyperbaric oxygen helps
HBOT targets that salvageable zone. Oxygen under pressure reduces swelling while keeping starved tissue supplied, preserves the microcirculation, supports infection defense, and fuels the enormous metabolic cost of healing. The result in studies: less burn-wound deepening, fewer grafts, faster healing.
What treatment looks like
Started early — ideally within 24 hours — at 2.0–2.4 ATA, commonly twice daily at first, 10–30 sessions total alongside specialist burn care.
- An adjunct to burn-center care, never a replacement.
- FDA-recognized for serious thermal burns.
The evidence, honestly
Grade B — Good Evidence
Meaningful clinical studies support benefit; more trials would strengthen certainty.
Our structured research library — with every study linked from this page — arrives with the next site update. Ask us for the citations any time in the meantime.
Educational content, not medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. Last medically reviewed July 2026 by Dr. David Greene, MD.