Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic liquid that, in the past, was typically used to treat cuts or other skin wounds, and to kill germs. After years of research, we now know that the caustic nature of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol (another commonly used first aid antiseptic) can destroy healthy cells and therefore affect wound healing. There are many uses for hydrogen peroxide but it should no longer be used to clean and treat cuts and other skin wounds.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen is water (H2O) with an extra oxygen molecule (H2O2). It is a chemical compound and has been used as a first aid antiseptic for injured skin since the 1920’s. In the past it was a common ‘go to’ when there is a wound, and it can usually be found in most households’ first aid kits in Anguilla and many other countries. It is time to retire peroxide from first-aid duty. Numerous studies have found that hydrogen peroxide irritates the skin. It may prevent the wound from healing, doing more harm than good.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used in many places, from your kitchen to your bathroom, but keep it away from wounds and acne.
The blood and other living cells found in a wound use the catalase enzyme to attack the hydrogen peroxide and convert it to (water) H2O and (oxygen) O2. In its low concentration, hydrogen peroxide will start a bubbling action which helps remove debris from the wound and works to kill bacteria cells by destroying their cell walls.
Although hydrogen peroxide is thought to be a good first aid antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can damage skin cells and angiogenesis which is the process of new vessel formation. This will delay wound healing.
People on certain medications will have delayed wound healing potential – as well as people with other co-morbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. These individuals are starting the wound healing cascade already impeded by low healing potential, so pouring hydrogen peroxide on their wounds, even initially, can drastically affect their chance of ever healing.
For diabetic patients, especially after a skin injury, the odds of healing not only stack up against you but they do so quickly.
So the question is not whether hydrogen peroxide is beneficial. That is not up for debate. There are many good uses for it, just not on wounds. Wounds can instead be cleaned with mild soap and water immediately after an injury.
On a long-term basis, there are a myriad of wound cleansing options available which will help to remove biofilm and reduce bioburden in the wound but not affect the healthy skin cells – allowing the proliferation of fibroblast cells in the wound cells that play an important role in forming new granulation tissue and getting the wound healed.
Although the debate on the effectiveness of using hydrogen peroxide on wounds may continue, one thing that is certain is wound care has grown so much especially over the past 20 years. There are many advanced wound care modalities available.
What to use for wound care?
So what do you use on a scrape or cut? I strongly recommend a good wash with soap and plenty of clean water. After washing, pat dry with a clean towel. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. There is no need for hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
Seek medical care for larger wounds and gashes, excessive bleeding, or if there is debris stuck in the wound.
Hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant
I strongly urge you to move your peroxide from the medicine cabinet to the cleaning cabinet. Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to bleach.
Use peroxide in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. There is a chance of toxicity if you inhale it, and it can irritate the skin and eyes.
Hydrogen peroxide is a great germ-killer for:
• Bathtubs, sinks and showers.
• Counters.
• Cutting boards.
• Door knobs.
• Garbage cans.
• Mirrors.
• Refrigerators.
• Toilets.
• Toys.
Peroxide kills bacteria, fungi and viruses. It can come in handy if you do not have disinfecting wipes or bleach. Just be careful not to get it on your clothes or furniture, or it may bleach them.
Conclusion
While hydrogen peroxide does have known antiseptic properties, it may do more harm than good when it comes to wound care. Numerous studies have confirmed that hydrogen peroxide should not be used to clean cuts and scrapes. Many of us will say my mom (or grandma) told me to clean it out good with hydrogen peroxide. Unfortunately, this deeply held belief extends across multiple cultures and generations, and health professionals must do more to educate the population on why hydrogen peroxide should not be used for wound care. There are many other good uses for hydrogen peroxide but wound care is not one of them.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
