The Effect of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Baths on the Subcutaneous Tissue Gas Tensions

Abstract

1. A method is described for estimating subcutaneous tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in man.2. Measurements were carried out before and at the end of carbon dioxide and oxygen saponin foam baths. These baths decrease the carbon dioxide and increase the oxygen subcutaneous tissue gas tensions. No appreciable differences were found between carbon dioxide and oxygen baths.3. We conclude that gases do not diffuse through the skin in sufficient quantities to affect the subcutaneous tissue gas tensions.