Hydrogen Peroxide: Is it Harmful or Helpful for Cuts & Abrasions?

Just about everyone has a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinet, and although there are many ways it can be used, most people use it as an antiseptic on cuts and abrasions. In fact, right on the bottle of most brands of hydrogen peroxide, it says the product is to be used on minor cuts and abrasions. However, recent research has shown that using hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic on the skin isn't such a good idea, and in fact can actually damage the tissue surrounding the wound. Most people believe that the foaming action of hydrogen peroxide signifies that the product is killing bacteria, but researchers argue that this is not true in the least. Numerous studies have also shown that hydrogen peroxide does not kill bacteria like people previously believed, although it doesn't cause bacteria to multiply either.

Physicians at the Mayo Clinic agree that hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to the delicate tissue surrounding the area where the product is used, as several studies have been conducted by Mayo researchers in order to determine the effect of hydrogen peroxide on cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Mayo Clinic physicians also believe that the use of hydrogen peroxide on wounds can impede the healing process. This is why Mayo physicians advise patients against the use of hydrogen peroxide, instructing them to use soap and water on minor cuts, or saline solution to clean more serious wounds.

Surprisingly, the American Medical Association (AMA), states that hydrogen peroxide may not be completely bad for all cuts and abrasions as others have claimed. According to the AMA, the frothiness that hydrogen peroxide forms upon contact with cuts and wounds might actually prevent infection by helping to loosen debris and necrotic tissue. The removal of debris and necrotic tissue would certainly help by accelerating the healing rate.

Due to differences in findings from various research studies, there are no conclusive answers about whether or not hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on cuts and abrasions. With the AMA being a pretty reputable source, it's hard to argue with them about their views regarding hydrogen peroxide and how it can have positive effect on certain wounds. It's equally as difficult to argue with Mayo Clinic physicians, as they are just as reputable and respected. On a recent Dr. Oz episode, he showed a very realistic example of what happens when hydrogen peroxide is placed on a wound. He had volunteers to help imitate an explosion similar to what he says happens whenever this product is used on wounds. It was portrayed in a comical manner, but Dr. Oz's point was that hydrogen peroxide is not a safe antiseptic. It would probably be safe to refrain from using this agent to clean a wound and to clean with plain soap and water instead. If a medical professional gives you specific instructions to use hydrogen peroxide on a wound, then by all means use it, otherwise it would be best to avoid it.

References

Medscape - www.medscape.com/viewarticle/456300_3

Ostomy Wound Management - http://www.o-wm.com/content/wound-cleansing-21st-century

Riverside, Provided by Mayo Clinic -
www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Disease-Conditions/DS00570.cfm

Wounds - www.woundsresearch.com/article/1586