2007-10-27 10:14:13 · 4 answers · asked by novapri39 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
Because of the reaction with the air and the blood -- however I must stress to you that using Hydrogen Peroxide on a cut or a wound is no longer considered the proper treatment as this kills the tissue at the wounds edges and creates a longer healing time. Do not use HP, clean with soap and water.
2007-10-27 10:23:06 · answer #1 · answered by Diane B 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 - basically a water molecule with an extra oxygen atom crammed on. It's a rather unstable molecule and spontaneously degenerates into water and oxygen (the reaction is 2 H2O2 --> 2 H20 + O2). The oxygen is what makes the bubbles... This reaction is made faster by sunlight (which is why hydrogen peroxide is always kept in those dark bottles) and by a certain enzyme that's quite common in the body. That's why you can pour as much hydrogen peroxide on the cut and it will keep on bubbling.
That said, the medical profession used to believe hydrogen peroxide was good for wounds. More recent studies have showed that in fact, hydrogen peroxide SLOWS down wound healing. So now the recommendation is simply cleaning the wound with gentle soap and water.
2007-10-30 03:41:21 · answer #2 · answered by Doxycycline 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Hydrogen Peroxide kills all bacteria. It may be a small cut but it can have a lot of germs or bacteria.
So the bubbles they kill the bacteria so the cut gets a scab better and goes away quicker
2007-10-27 19:42:22 · answer #3 · answered by nikki 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yep, your doing damage to your skin. Use sterile water and apply a clean dressing
2007-10-28 06:08:09 · answer #4 · answered by John P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋