Many households keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide for cleaning minor cuts and scrapes. This clear liquid, a chemical compound known as H2O2, is often seen as a quick solution for disinfecting wounds. However, applying it to an injury frequently results in a noticeable burning or stinging sensation, leading many to question its true effects and benefits.
The Sensation of Burning
Hydrogen peroxide causes a burning or stinging sensation when applied to broken skin. This feeling is brief and does not indicate actual tissue burning in a destructive, thermal sense. Instead, the sensation arises from a chemical reaction occurring on the skin and within the wound. It is an irritation, signaling the peroxide’s interaction with the biological environment.
Why Peroxide Bubbles and Stings
Bubbling and stinging from hydrogen peroxide on a wound are due to a chemical reaction. When H2O2 contacts cells, blood, or bacteria, it reacts with catalase, an enzyme present in most human cells, including blood and tissues. This enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). The rapid release of oxygen gas creates the characteristic fizzing or bubbling. This oxidative process can cause irritation due to the rapid gas release and peroxide’s interaction with nerve endings, contributing to the stinging sensation.
Effectiveness as an Antiseptic
Despite historical use, hydrogen peroxide’s effectiveness as an antiseptic for cuts is limited and often detrimental. While it kills bacteria by destroying cell walls through oxidation, it is not selective. Hydrogen peroxide also damages healthy skin cells, fibroblasts, and new tissue crucial for healing. This non-specific cellular damage can slow wound healing and may increase scarring. Due to these drawbacks, medical professionals do not recommend hydrogen peroxide for routine wound care, particularly for deep or dirty wounds.
Recommended Alternatives for Wound Care
For minor wounds, gentle cleansing with mild soap and water or saline solution is the preferred method. These alternatives are less irritating to healthy tissue, promoting a better healing environment. After cleaning, rinse the wound thoroughly, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth, and cover it with a clean bandage. Keeping the wound moist, for example with petroleum jelly, also aids faster healing and can reduce scarring. This approach helps prevent infection while supporting the body’s natural healing.