The dangers of using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds.
Hydrogen peroxide is a widely used antiseptic solution. However, few people know that it can hinder wound healing and leave scars.
According to Men's Health, hydrogen peroxide is used for disinfection, wound cleaning, and deodorization. Additionally, it is used in combination with other disinfectants to disinfect hands, skin, and mucous membranes; to rinse the mouth in the treatment of acute stomatitis and for deodorizing; to clean root canals and pulp cavities; and as ear drops to remove earwax and stop minor bleeding.
However, hydrogen peroxide can lead to unexpected consequences if you overuse it.
1. Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect open wounds.
According to doctors at Wexner University Medical Center in Ohio, USA, hydrogen peroxide can damage even healthy skin cells, slowing down the healing process. Instead of disinfecting open wounds with hydrogen peroxide, wash the wound with clean water, pat it dry, and apply ointment to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Finally, cover the wound with a clean gauze pad to protect it from environmental factors.
2. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the ear canal.
Many people believe that hydrogen peroxide can soften earwax, making it easier to clean. However, the ear canal is very sensitive and easily damaged. Any scratches or water entering the ear can cause serious ear canal infections. Doctors advise that this part of the body can clean itself.
Hydrogen peroxide can soften earwax, making it easier to remove. However, you need to be extremely careful when inserting this solution into the ear canal and be sure to dry it thoroughly. Any liquid can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or complete deafness.
3. Disinfect pimples and sores.
Besides its antiseptic properties, hydrogen peroxide can lighten dark spots, acne scars, etc. However, it can also cause side effects such as cancer and changes in skin cell structure if used repeatedly over a long period. Highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions can damage skin tissue and cells.
Experts recommend diluting hydrogen peroxide solutions to concentrations of 27% or 30% before use and avoiding continuous use over extended periods.
Additionally, they can cause irritation and burns to the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, face, etc. Prolonged rinsing or gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide can cause hypertrophy of the lingual papillae (also known as hairy tongue). However, this phenomenon is not dangerous to health.
Precautions when using hydrogen peroxide:
- Avoid using it to wash wounds in enclosed body cavities such as the colon and intestines, as the released oxygen, having no escape route, can cause air embolism, colon rupture, proctitis, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal necrosis.
- Do not use to wash wounds that are healing or areas of easily damaged skin, as its strong antiseptic properties can cause more serious damage to tissue and cells, making the wound difficult to heal and leaving scars.
According to Gia Dinh.net