2007-03-08 12:56:03 · 5 answers · asked by superwow_rl 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
It "boils" out impurities and bacteria. ;)
2007-03-08 13:05:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen peroxide is a combination of two Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms(H^2 O^2) that aren't as stable as its cousin water. However, what is actually occurring when its bubbling on a wound for example is releasing the extra Oxygen to become water. Hydrogen peroxide alone is a toxin to both our body or invading bacteria because too much Oxygen is a deadly agent. And in similar situations, Ozone which has three Oxygen atoms compared to two is becoming more common as part of water purification systems. Anyway when bacteria or your body makes contact with Hydrogen peroxide, it releases an enzyme called Catalase to digest the peroxide into both water and Oxygen gas. So what you're seeing is that battle of Catalase breaking the peroxide into water and Oxygen gas (bubbles). In that process, both sides are being neutralized, the peroxide is being reduced from a toxin to harmless water and oxygen while the cells or bacteria must create enough Catalase in order not to be killed.
2007-03-10 12:12:31 · answer #2 · answered by Elliot K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it doesn't.
When Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is poured on a wound, it releases its extra oxygen molecule in a visible foaming action leaving behind water (H2O). Although in the process it may bubble some minor dirt out of a wound, it has no cleansing properties at all. You're better off cleaning a wound with soap and water.
Hydrogen Peroxide does work well for softening scabs if they are in a flexible area where they may tear open.
2007-03-08 13:06:56 · answer #3 · answered by searchpup 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They used to recommend peroxide but they don't any more. It leaves scarring. So use a mild soap and water, flush the area very well and use an antibiotic cream such as Neosporin and a band aid, unless it is a cut that requires stitches, if that is the case, flush the area really fast and then apply pressure to the wound and go to get your stitches.
2007-03-09 23:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by fluffyflo_1999 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it bubbles out any thing that is in the cut. including dry blood and germs. hydrogen peroxide is also good for ladies that have periods and get blood on their cloths. you pour the hydrogen peroxide on the cloths, and rub it in. it will bubble the blood out and it can be used on whites or colored cloths and u dont have to wash the cloths right away
2007-03-08 13:03:51 · answer #5 · answered by care_bear374 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋