Everyone puts hydrogen peroxide on their wounds. They really shouldn't.

USA TODAY

Everyone puts hydrogen peroxide on their wounds. They really shouldn't.

One of the most dangerous medical myths I see in the ER is the widespread belief by patients that large amounts of hydrogen peroxide should be used to clean small cuts. It's no surprise that we are constantly imploring patients and their families not to do this, as emergency rooms across the country treat over 7 million lacerations annually.

This deeply held belief is held by many cultures and generations. My mom told me to clean it out with hydrogen peroxide, and I was alarmed recently to see multiple TikTok videos of people excited about seeing a. The consensus seems to be that the level of fizz generated equates to how well the wound is cleaned.

Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, but it may do more harm than good when it comes to wound care.

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A brief history of hydrogen peroxide

The first use of hydrogen peroxide was for bleach hats. Industrial processes are used to make 1 billion pounds of hydrogen peroxide annually, mostly for the bleaching of paper and pulp. H2O2 is formed when atmospheric oxygen reacts with water.

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Since the 1920s, hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic. The germ destroying properties of hydrogen peroxide are well documented. It has broad-spectrum activity against a variety of organisms. It is broken down into oxygen and water and is considered a safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches. There are several safe home cleaning applications. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a contact lens Disinfectant. It is a part of some tooth Whitening products.

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Why does hydrogen peroxide fizz?

catalase is found in blood and most of our cells. The catalase instantly converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen when it is poured on an open wound. The debris from the open wound can be removed with the help of the fizzing.

Hydrogen peroxide can impair our body’s quick response to a cut

The skin is the largest organ of our body and protects us from foreign invaders. No matter how small or large the cut or wound is, our body jumps into action.

Multiple cells are involved in the initial response. The platelets form a clot and seal the wound. White blood cells called macrophages rush to the area to destroy anybacteria that got past the clot. Growth factors help repair the wound. Blood vessels dilate to allow fresh oxygen to enter the area and facilitate healing.

Multiple cells are immediately involved in the wound protection and healing process. Hydrogen peroxide does not discriminate between cells. While you may think you are cleaning your wound, you are actually damaging it and making it worse. There could be severe toxicity from skin application.

If you experience a burning sensation, you should wash your skin with lots of water. You will need to head to the ER if you have skin problems that need additional treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide and other caustic first aid antiseptics should not be used to clean open wounds. If you find yourself out in nature and need to care for an injury, I advise you to simply irrigate the wound with water from a trusted source, from the faucet or from bottled water. There is no evidence that high-pressure irrigation works better than simply rinsing the wound. Apply a small amount of triple-antibiotic cream and cover with a clean dressing for small cuts. Seek medical attention for larger wounds that need further evaluation.

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Michael Daignault is an ER doctor in Los Angeles. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center. He was a United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Find him on social media.

Hydrogen peroxide isn't helping your wounds, cuts like you think it is.

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