The Effects of Artificial Carbon Dioxide Foot Bathing on the Skin of Ischemic Feet, as Measured by a Laser Doppler Flowmeter

Introduction Carbon dioxide bathing, including foot bathing, has long been used for therapeutic purposes in Europe and elsewhere. Yet, much remains unknown about its precise physiological effects, and very few basic or clinical studies have been conducted to date. We previously reported that the optimum free carbon dioxide concentration and the optimum water temperature in an artificial CO2 foot bath differ between healthy adults and elderly patients . Given the high frequency among the elderly of peripheral circulatory disorders with associated ischemia (ischemic extremities) due to peripheral arterial occlusion in the lower extremities which can cause functional disorders of the feet , we surmised from our earlier investigation that a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 700 ppm and a bath temperature of at least 34°C are effective for increasing blood flow. In the present study, we have examined the effects of artificial carbon dioxide foot bathing on ischemic feet by measuring cutaneous blood flow. We have also investigated the reproducibility of the effects of foot bathing on blood flow in ischemic feet. The results from both investigations are presented here.