Does hydrogen peroxide damage tissue?
Hydrogen peroxide may be the first thing you reach for when treating a wound to disinfect it. While sometimes painful blisters definitely disinfect the area,it also destroys healthy tissue.
Hydrogen peroxide generally has the ability to kill non-living tissuewhich can then be easily removed as soft necrotic mucus.
Health experts warn against using hydrogen peroxidefor treating or cleaning small scratches or cutsbecause it can irritate the skin and kill healthy cells inside the wound.
Actually,Hydrogen peroxide can actually increase skin scarring by interfering with the wound healing process. It can also cause skin irritation and burns if used in too high a concentration. It is best to continue using hydrogen peroxide as a household surface cleaner.
Hydrogen peroxide is an example of a molecule with a long-known role in eliminating pathogens in inflammation.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide on wounds
"Hydrogen peroxide is no longer used as a wound cleanser," says Dr. Beers. "Research has shown that it irritates the skin. It can prevent wound healing, doing more harm than good."
Hydrogen peroxide is used in cleaning products and as an antiseptic. In low concentrations of up to 10%, it is used as a disinfectant and skin bleach.It works by releasing oxygen. This creates a lather that helps remove dead skin cells.
WhileSome studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic to healthy cells and granulation tissues, other animal and human studies have shown no adverse effect on wound healing. Several studies have also shown that hydrogen peroxide is ineffective in reducing the number of bacteria.
Using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the injury actually canthey damage tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a small wound is with cold running water and mild soap. Flush the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide is very similar to water, but it has an additional unstable oxygen molecule. Peroxide forms bubbles when it comes into contact with many living organismsdue to the presence of an enzyme called catalase. Almost every living tissue contains catalase, and this enzyme is also available in plant cells such as tubers.