Samantha Ruth Prabhu bats for ozone therapy for skin, immunity; experts urge caution

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been working even more on her fitness, health, and immunity after her myositis diagnosis, which is an autoimmune condition. As such, the Kushi actor took to her Instagram Stories to share the benefits of ozone therapy, which is touted to work for skin health and immunity.

What is Ozone Therapy?

Dr Jatin Mittal, skin expert, cosmetologist, and co-founder, Abhivrit Aesthetics, New Delhi said that ozone therapy involves the medical use of ozone gas, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, for therapeutic purposes. “While some proponents suggest that ozone therapy may have positive effects on immunity and skin health, it’s essential to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and the therapy is considered controversial,” said Dr Mittal.

According to Dr Mittal, ozone therapy can be used in treating under-eye puffiness, settling acne inflammation, instant scalp cleaning in dandruff, in treating eczema or psoriasis but it is not a certified science and it’s not FDA-approved. He further said its efficacy is not well-established, and there are “potential risks” associated with its use. “Individuals considering such therapies should seek guidance from healthcare professionals and rely on evidence-based practices for maintaining overall well-being,” said Dr Mittal.

What is ozone therapy all about? (representative) (Source: Freepik)

Here are some considerations regarding ozone therapy for immunity and skin health

For immunity

Ozone is believed to enhance the production of cytokines, proteins that play a crucial role in immune response regulation. Additionally, it may stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and inconclusive, said Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist, and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.

Skin health

Antimicrobial properties: Ozone has antimicrobial properties, and it is used in some cases to treat skin conditions with bacterial or fungal origins.

Wound healing: Ozone therapy has been suggested to promote wound healing by improving oxygen supply to tissues, but research on its effectiveness is still in the early stages, said Dr Mittal.

Administration methods

Ozone therapy can be administered in various ways, such as through ozone gas injections, ozonated oils, or intravenous infusions. The method depends on the targeted health concern, mentioned Dr Kapoor.

Considerations and caution

Ozone therapy can have side effects, including irritation of the respiratory system when inhaled, and potential harm to the skin if not administered properly. “Ozone is a highly reactive gas and can potentially cause respiratory irritation when inhaled. In the case of intravenous administration, there’s a risk of embolism due to gas bubbles entering the bloodstream. The concentration and duration of exposure are crucial factors influencing the safety of ozone therapy,” said Dr Kapoor.

Ozone therapy is not universally accepted or regulated as a standard medical practice, and there may be variations in how it is administered.

Contraindications

Ozone therapy may not be suitable for everyone. “Pregnant women, individuals with thyroid disorders, and those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid ozone therapy. Additionally, people with respiratory conditions may be at an increased risk of adverse effects,” said Dr Kapoor.

Professional guidance

Before considering ozone therapy, individuals must consult with qualified healthcare professionals who can assess the potential risks and benefits based on individual health conditions.

The experts urge that given the limited scientific evidence, individuals are encouraged to rely on established, evidence-based approaches for maintaining immunity and skin health, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skincare.

Samantha shares how ozone therapy helps (Source: Samantha Ruth Prabhu/Instagram Stories)

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