Your immune system produces hypochlorous acid. It’s also manufactured for use in products like surface cleaners, hand sanitizers, and some skin care products. But no research has been done on its use as a psoriasis treatment.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that usually affects the skin by causing increased skin cell turnover, resulting in itchy, inflamed, thick patches. It can also affect other organ systems, such as the joints.
Treatments range from topical medications to systemic medications depending on the severity of the disease.
Hypochlorous acid, a natural substance produced by the immune system, is also manufactured and used in some skin care products that help relieve itching.
While there’s information about the benefits of hypochlorous acid in skin care products and to treat other skin conditions, little to no research has been done about its use in people with psoriasis, so the potential benefits are unclear.
In this article, we’ll explain what hypochlorous acid is and how it’s used. We’ll also discuss its possible benefits, if any, for people with psoriasis.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) is a weak acid produced by the immune system. Chemically, HOCI is categorized as a reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide is another example of an ROS.
HOCI has antimicrobial and virucidal properties, which means that it may kill or stop the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi like mold and mildew, and protozoans (single-cell organisms).
HOCI also has anti-inflammatory properties. Immune cells, such as neutrophils and B. lymphocytes, produce and excrete HOCI when you’re injured or exposed to infection-causing pathogens.
Psoriasis, an inflammatory disease, is earmarked by the presence of ROS in areas of affected skin. A
Hypochlorous acid is manufactured for consumer and industrial use via several processes, including water electrolysis. Water electrolysis involves passing electricity through water that contains sodium chloride (salt).
HOCI also forms when chlorine, a gas, is dissolved in water. If you’ve ever been in a swimming pool, you swam in small amounts of hypochlorous acid.
Hypochlorous acid is a mildly acidic form of chlorine that has strong disinfecting abilities. It’s used as a disinfectant to kill germs on surfaces, such as counters, sinks, and doorknobs.
Since HOCI can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), it was widely promoted for this purpose.
Warning!
Do not eat, drink, or apply HOCI products to your skin if they’re formulated as household or industrial cleaners.
HOCI leaves little to no residue behind after use, eliminating the need for rinsing. For that reason, it’s used in homes, manufacturing plants, and restaurants to wash produce, such as fruits and vegetables. It’s sometimes used to purify drinking water. It may also be used as a wastewater treatment.
HOCI is an acid that’s used in some skin care products. However, when specifically formulated for this purpose, it’s gentle enough to use on the skin.
The use of hypochlorous acid for skin is continually being studied with promising results.
To date, there’s no large body of conclusive scientific evidence showing its benefits, specifically for psoriasis. However, several ways HOCI works may make it beneficial for psoriasis and other skin conditions.
For example, the
Since HOCI has anti-inflammatory properties, this may mean that topical use — putting it on your skin — might be beneficial, but more research is needed to confirm this.
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Although this review did not include studies of psoriasis specifically, it did suggest several potential benefits of HOCI for skin care, such as its:
- Immunomodulatory properties: Immunomodulating agents work by stimulating or suppressing the immune system, allowing people to fight disease better. Since psoriasis is an immune system disorder, this might mean that HOCI could benefit individuals with psoriasis, but research is needed to confirm this.
- Potential antihistamine effects:
Multiple studies suggest that histamine levels may be elevated in psoriasis. - Potential cytokine release reduction: Cytokines are necessary to help the immune system work. In people with psoriasis, cytokines are overproduced, inducing inflammation and psoriasis lesions. This is known as a cytokine storm.
The use of HOCI for skin is relatively new. If you have psoriasis, check with your dermatologist or other healthcare professionals before adding any products containing an HOCI to your regimen.
Many products contain skin care HOCI. Sprays, creams, and serums are available in stores and online.
HOCI’s powerful antimicrobial properties may make it especially beneficial for acne. Some products containing this ingredient are also formulated specifically for eczema.
Although HOCI appears safe when used topically and according to the directions, it’s important to note that it can be irritating to the skin and may worsen itching in some people.
HOCI increases the activity of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is an insulin-like protein that regulates nerve cells, called sensory neurons. Sensory neurons are “turned on” by environmental input. This reaction may generate or exacerbate itchy skin.
Prolonged or overuse of HOCI may also irritate your skin, causing contact dermatitis.
To avoid these risks, always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Never use a household product containing HOCI for skin care. And, if you have psoriasis, check with your healthcare professional before use.
Can I use hypochlorous acid on my skin to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID?
HOCI kills the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) when applied to surfaces. It’s also effective when included in hand sanitizer products.
Products containing HOCI made specifically for use on your hands may stop you from spreading viruses to others. It may also reduce the risk of transmission from infected surfaces to you.
Never eat, drink, or inhale products containing HOCI.
How do I use hypochlorous acid for acne?
HOCI has antimicrobial properties. Since it effectively kills bacteria on the skin, it may help reduce clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Many products containing this ingredient come in spray form. You can use HOCI as a facial spray after washing. If your skin feels overly dry, follow up with a moisturizer designed for oily or breakout-prone skin.
Can you be allergic to hypochlorous acid?
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by HOCI is rare. However, it can occur.
If you have an adverse reaction to this or any substance, stop using it immediately. If you’re allergic or sensitive to chlorine, avoid using products that contain HOCI since they are similar chemicals.
Severe allergic reactions to HOCI have not been reported in studies. However, symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis always require immediate medical attention.
The immune system produces hypochlorous acid (HOCI) to fight infection and disease. HOCI is also manufactured for consumer and commercial use. HOCI is a powerful disinfectant with antimicrobial properties.
Studies indicate it may also benefit certain skin conditions, such as diabetic ulcers, acne, and itching. However, more research is needed to determine whether HOCI is helpful in treating psoriasis.