What is cold plasma?
Definition, origin, and components of cold plasma, explained simply.
How is cold plasma generated? (Mechanism)
From gas particle to plasma – the physical generation process, step by step.
Effect on body & tissue
How cold plasma can act on germs, cells, and tissue.
Glossary
Short, easy-to-understand explanations of key terms.
Chronic & poorly healing wounds
Targeted plasma treatment to activate wound healing in treatment-resistant wounds.
Venous leg ulcer (ulcus cruris)
Stimulation of wound granulation and infection control in venous leg ulcers.
Diabetic foot
Promotes microcirculation and tissue regeneration in diabetic foot ulcers.
Pressure ulcer (decubitus)
Supports tissue repair and decontamination in pressure-related skin lesions.
Burns / burn injuries
Pain-relieving wound care and germ reduction for thermal injuries.
Post-surgical wound healing (post-op)
Prevention of post-operative infections and faster wound closure.
Applications at a glance
All conditions and research fields at a glance.
View overview
Herpes labialis (cold sores)
Targeted cold plasma treatment to promote healing of chronic, treatment-resistant skin wounds.
Ingrown toenail
Promotes wound granulation and effective infection control in venous leg ulcers.
Applications at a glance
All conditions and research fields at a glance.
View overview
State of research
A current overview of the research landscape on cold plasma.
Safety in application
Warning signs, possible side effects, and responsible use.
Studies & guidelines
Clinical studies and guideline recommendations on cold plasma, at a glance.
Publications
Selected scientific publications on cold plasma.
Cold plasma devices
Device types, operating principles, and intended use, explained clearly.
Plasma is created when a gas absorbs energy: some of its particles become electrically charged while others are excited.
Medical devices control this energy so the treated tissue is not noticeably warmed.
Cold plasma is created directly during treatment. Its properties depend on the device, the tissue, and the application. Cold plasma is a gas altered by energy – not a single active ingredient and not a uniform product. The energy creates charged and excited particles as well as short-lived substances.
Generated directly during applicationLow thermal effectsA physical processThe device generates medical cold plasma only at the moment of application – in four physically sequential steps.
The device delivers controlled electrical energy to a gas.
The energy alters the gas particles. Some become electrically charged.
This creates a mixture of altered particles and other components.
The device generates the plasma directly at the site being treated.
"Cold" doesn't mean ice-cold. The device limits the heat so the treated tissue is not noticeably warmed – unlike hot plasma, which can burn tissue.
Close to body temperature, not ice-coldHow much the tissue warms depends on the device and the applicationApproval and instructions for use govern application to humansCold plasma isn't just a single active ingredient. Several physically generated components work together.
Researchers examine how cells and tissue respond to different cold plasma devices.
How it works
Cold plasma is not a single active ingredient. Its various components work together.
The effectWhich components form in a given case depends on the device technology, gas, and settings.
Short-lived, reactive substances can form during generation.
The plasma can emit visible light and other light components.
Depending on the device, the plasma can also contain UV light.
Electric fields can also be part of the plasma.
Cold plasma is used and researched in various fields. The evidence base can vary considerably.
An application is already used medically. That alone doesn't yet say how well its effect is proven.
There are studies involving patients. Their design, comparison group, number of participants, and the device studied all matter for evaluation.
The knowledge comes mainly from laboratory studies. No proven treatment can yet be derived from this.
No. Cold plasma devices work differently. Some generate a plasma jet, while others treat a larger area using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD).
Which device is suitable depends on what it is intended for and what is being treated.
Now that you know what cold plasma is, discover the areas of application next.
View applications
Short, easy-to-understand answers to the most important questions about cold plasma therapy.
View all FAQRead more about effects, treatment, and devices.
How cold plasma is created – explained simply, step by step.
Learn moreHow a treatment proceeds and which questions matter beforehand.
View treatmentMedical Notice
The content on Kaltplasmatherapie.de is for general information about cold plasma and plasma medicine. It does not replace a personal medical examination, diagnosis, or individual treatment recommendation. Whether cold plasma is an option for a specific condition or treatment situation should be discussed with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
