The dangers of using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds
Hydrogen peroxide is a common antiseptic solution. However, few people know that it can make wounds difficult to heal and leave scars.
According to Men's Health, hydrogen peroxide has the effect of disinfecting, cleaning wounds and deodorizing. In addition, people use this solution in combination with other disinfectants to disinfect hands, skin and mucous membranes; rinse the mouth in the treatment of acute stomatitis and gargle to deodorize; clean the root canal and tooth pulp cavity, and use 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 the Wexner University Medical Center, Ohio, USA, hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy skin cells, slowing down the healing process. Instead of disinfecting open wounds with hydrogen peroxide, wash the wound with clean water, pat dry and use ointment to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Finally, use a clean gauze to cover the wound to avoid environmental impacts.
2. Use hydrogen peroxide to wash the ear canal
Many people believe that hydrogen peroxide can soften earwax and make it easier to clean. However, the ear canal is very sensitive and vulnerable. Any scratches or water entering the ear can cause serious ear infections. Doctors advise that this part can clean itself.
Hydrogen peroxide can soften earwax and make it easier to remove. However, you need to be very careful when inserting this solution into the ear canal and be careful to dry it. Any liquid can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or deafness.
3. Disinfect acne and ulcers
In addition to its antiseptic properties, hydrogen peroxide can remove dark spots, acne scars, etc. However, it can also cause side effects such as cancer and changes in skin cell structure if used repeatedly for a long time. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution can damage skin cells and tissues, etc.
Experts recommend diluting the solution to 27% or 30% concentration before use and not using hydrogen peroxide continuously for long periods of time.
In addition, they can also cause skin and mucous membrane burns to the oral cavity, facial skin... The habit of rinsing or rinsing the mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide for a long time can cause hypertrophy of the tongue papillae (also known as hairy tongue). However, this phenomenon is not dangerous to health.
Notes when using hydrogen peroxide:
- Avoid using to wash wounds in closed body cavities such as the colon, intestines... because the released oxygen has no way to escape and will cause air embolism, colon rupture, proctitis, ulcerative colitis and intestinal necrosis...
- Do not use to wash wounds that are forming new skin or vulnerable skin areas because strong antiseptic properties can cause more serious damage to tissues and cells, making wounds difficult to heal and leaving scars.
According to Gia dinh.net