Should i use hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound

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 work to kill bacteria cells by destroying their cell walls.

Here is where it all gets tricky. Although hydrogen peroxide is thought to be a good first aid antiseptic, the controversy remains on how beneficial it actually is in the long run.

As a wound care specialist, I see wounds all the time that are stuck in a certain phase of wound healing and the wound struggles to progress forward. What it comes down to for me is giving the wound the best chance possible at healing and ultimately wound closure. 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.

If peroxide is used, it is definitely not recommended on a long-term basis. The bactericidal effects of the hydrogen peroxide are great to clean the wound and kill bacteria initially, but this same benefit comes with a price in that the peroxide can damage skin cells and angiogenesis which is the process of new vessel formation. So for me, the benefits do not outweigh the risks. I see a lot of complex and chronic wounds and it is my job to not only determine the wound etiology but also deduct all aspects of what may be causing the wound to not improve, as well as manage everything that may 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. First aid Cuts and scrapes: First aid. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Millman M. Cuts, scrapes and wounds.

Rochester, Minn. Do you know the best way to care for minor cuts and injuries? Find out the facts surrounding common wound care myths and when to seek medical treatment. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. How to Treat 10 Common Playground Injuries. So basically it kills off the bad stuff but it also kills off some of the good things that your body needs to naturally heal.

The next time you find yourself with a cut, scrape, or minor puncture wound, opt out of hydrogen peroxide. Use plain water unless otherwise directed by a doctor. If you feel the wound could use medical attention please call us for an appointment at or stop by our office at Northstar Drive Jackson, TN