Benefits of Ozone Therapy in the Treatment of Foot Ulcers in People with Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic wounds remain one of the most difficult complications associated with diabetes. Among them, diabetic foot ulcers represent a major health challenge, often leading to prolonged treatment, infection, and in severe cases, amputation. Researchers around the world are exploring new ways to reduce infection and improve healing in these wounds. One promising approach involves ozonated water, including emerging technologies that use ozone in micro- or nano-bubble form.

A study published in the Brazilian wound-care journal ESTIMA – Brazilian Journal of Enterostomal Therapy examined the role of ozonated water in the management of diabetic foot wounds. The findings provide insight into how this simple chemical compound—ozone dissolved in water—may assist modern wound-care strategies.

The Challenge of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers develop when high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation and circulation in the feet. Small injuries may go unnoticed and gradually develop into open wounds.

These wounds are particularly vulnerable to infection because:

• Blood circulation is reduced, slowing healing
• Immune response may be impaired
• Bacteria can easily colonize damaged tissue

Controlling microbial contamination is therefore a critical step in treating diabetic foot ulcers.

Traditional treatments often involve wound cleaning, antibiotics, debridement, and specialized dressings. However, researchers continue to investigate complementary approaches that can reduce bacterial load while supporting tissue recovery.

What the Study Found

The study described the use of ozonated water as part of wound care for diabetic foot ulcers. Ozone (O₃) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms and is known for its strong oxidizing and antimicrobial properties.

When dissolved in water, ozone can act as a disinfecting agent capable of damaging bacterial cell walls and inactivating pathogens. In the context of wound care, the study reported several potential benefits:

• Reduction of microbial contamination in the wound environment
• Improved local oxygenation, which can support tissue repair
• Assistance in wound cleaning, helping remove debris and contaminants

These properties make ozonated water a potentially useful adjunct in managing chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers.

Importantly, the researchers emphasized that ozonated water should be considered a complementary approach within standard medical treatment, rather than a replacement for professional care.

Why Ozone-Based Cleaning Works

Ozone’s effectiveness comes from its strong oxidative action. When ozone molecules come into contact with microorganisms, they react with lipids and proteins in microbial cell membranes, disrupting their structure and preventing further growth.

Another advantage is that ozone rapidly decomposes back into oxygen after use. This means it leaves no chemical residue, making it attractive as a disinfecting agent for medical and hygiene applications.

In recent years, scientists have begun exploring ways to stabilize ozone in water using micro- and nano-bubble technology. These extremely small bubbles can help ozone remain active longer and penetrate microscopic spaces more effectively, potentially improving its antimicrobial performance.

From Medical Research to Practical Hygiene Tools

While studies such as the one published in ESTIMA focus on clinical wound care, the same scientific principles are now being applied in compact hygiene technologies.

New household devices can generate ozonated water with micro- and nano-bubbles directly from tap water through electrolysis, allowing people to produce antimicrobial water on demand. Companies such as YamatoAqua are developing systems based on this approach.

For example, portable devices like the YamatoAqua Ozone Spray Pro produce ozonated nano-bubble water that can be used for surface sanitation, skin cleaning, and personal hygiene. By generating the disinfecting solution at the moment of use, these systems take advantage of ozone’s natural antimicrobial activity without relying on chemical disinfectants.

Although such devices are not medical treatments, they illustrate how the chemistry studied in wound-care research may translate into practical tools for preventive hygiene, skin care, and everyday sanitation.

A Promising Direction for Wound Hygiene

The findings from the ESTIMA study reinforce a broader trend in biomedical research: exploring oxygen-based and ozone-based solutions as supportive tools for infection control and wound hygiene.

For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, preventing infection is essential. Technologies that help maintain cleaner wound environments—whether in clinical settings or as part of careful home hygiene—may contribute to better outcomes.

As research continues, innovations involving ozonated nano-bubble water could play an increasingly important role in bridging the gap between laboratory science, medical care, and everyday health practices.

 

Source: https://www.revistaestima.com.br/estima/article/view/1090/465