Percutaneous application of carbon dioxide affects skin microcirculatory dynamics in healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective: Bathing in carbonated springs is considered to dilate skin blood vessels and increase blood flow. We developed a plaster‐type carbon dioxide CO2‐sheet to apply on a topical skin area, and examined the microcirculatory dynamics of its application.Methods: CO2‐sheets containing different concentration of CO2 (250, 500, and 1000 ppm in solvent) were applied on the flexor aspect of the forearm of healthy subjects, and changes in the microcirculatory dynamics were studied by direct measurement of diameter of subepidermal microvessels using a Capillary Scope System, which irradiates the skin surface with indirect light. Local skin blood flow was measured by the venous occlusion method using near‐infrared spectroscopy, and also by two‐dimensional mapping using a full‐field laser profusion imager.Results: Compared with sham sheets, application of the CO2‐sheets significantly increased the diameter of subepidermal microvessels and increased the blood flow concentration‐dependently.Conclusions: This CO2‐sheets may be useful as a therapeutic device to improve skin microcirculation in the fields of health care as well as clinical medicine.