The use of hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of purulent wounds. The correct approach to the procedure. The healing properties of peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) is a substance that is freely available in pharmacies. The peroxide that we buy is a 3% solution: that is, the bottle with the substance is 97% water. Hydrogen peroxide in this solution accounts for only 3%.

Most people use this substance as an antiseptic. Although few people know that peroxide is not effective enough as an antiseptic. Nevertheless, it does not cause harm when it gets on cuts and scratches; moreover, when it comes into contact with a wound, peroxide forms a spectacular “show”. So why does hydrogen peroxide foam on a wound? What exists scientific explanation this impressive phenomenon? Find out in the article.

Why does hydrogen peroxide foam on a wound?

The reason why foaming occurs is because blood cells and the blood itself contain an enzyme called catalase. Since a cut or scrape is always accompanied by bleeding and damaged cells, a lot of catalase is always formed around the wound. This has been clarified, but still, why does hydrogen peroxide foam on a wound? When catalase comes into contact with it, it converts hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) into water (H 2 O) and oxygen (O 2).

Catalase carries out the process of splitting peroxide into water and oxygen extremely efficiently - up to 200,000 reactions per second. The bubbles we see when hydrogen peroxide foams on a wound are oxygen bubbles produced by the action of catalase.

Entertaining chemistry

If you try to remember your school chemistry lessons, then images will certainly appear in your head: in the classroom, the teacher pours not a large number of hydrogen peroxide - the same thing happens. The teacher asks, “Why does hydrogen peroxide foam on the skin you cut and on the potatoes?” Without waiting for an answer, the teacher himself answers: “Because in damaged potato cells, like damaged epidermal cells, catalase is released.”

Peroxide does not lather in the bottle or on whole skin because there is no catalase to cause the reaction. Hydrogen peroxide is stable at room temperature.

Have you ever wondered why hydrogen peroxide bubbles on a cut or wound, but it does not bubble on intact skin?

Why hydrogen peroxide foams and fizzes: a scientific explanation

So we found out that hydrogen peroxide turns into bubbles when it comes into contact with an enzyme called catalase. Most cells in the body contain it, so when tissue is damaged, the enzyme is released and becomes available to react with the peroxide.

Catalase allows you to decompose H 2 O 2 into water (H 2 O) and oxygen (O 2). Like other enzymes, it is not used in the reaction, but is recycled to catalyze more reactions. Catalase supports up to 200,000 reactions per second.

The bubbles we see when we pour antiseptic on a cut are bubbles of oxygen gas. Blood, cells and some bacteria (such as staphylococci) contain catalase. While it is not contained on the surface of the skin. Thus, peroxide, in contact with intact skin, does not react and bubbles do not form.

In addition, since hydrogen peroxide has such high level activity, this substance has a certain shelf life after opening. In other words, if no bubbling is observed when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a wound or bloody cut, it is likely that the peroxide is no longer active and has long since expired.

Hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic

The earliest use of hydrogen peroxide was as a bleach, since oxidation processes are good at changing or destroying pigmented molecules. However, peroxide has been used as a powerful disinfectant since the 1920s. Therefore, the question: “Why does hydrogen peroxide foam on a wound?” - people have been asking this for centuries.

The healing properties of peroxide

The chemical characteristics of peroxide ensure that it can heal wounds in several ways. Firstly, since this water solution, peroxide helps wash away dirt and damaged cells and “loosen” the crust of dried blood. Bubbles in in this case help remove debris from the damage.

Although it is worth noting that the oxygen released by peroxide does not destroy all types of bacteria. In addition, peroxide has strong bacteriostatic properties, which means that using hydrogen peroxide on a wound helps prevent the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Peroxide acts as a sporicide, killing potentially infectious fungal spores.

However, it does not represent an ideal disinfectant, since it also destroys fibroblasts. This is the type connective tissue which body cells use to fast healing wounds and restoration of damaged skin areas.

Therefore, peroxide should not be used as an antiseptic on a routine basis when treating wounds as it may slow down the healing process. So, most doctors and dermatologists advise against using it for disinfection. open wounds because it only makes the situation worse.

Checking whether the peroxide in the bottle is active

After all, hydrogen peroxide is made up of water and oxygen, meaning when you use peroxide on a wound, you're basically applying plain water. Luckily, there's a simple test to make sure your bottle of hydrogen peroxide contains the active ingredient: Simply squirt a small amount of liquid down the sink. Metals (for example, near a drain) catalyze the conversion of peroxide into oxygen and water - this is why hydrogen peroxide foams on a wound and even on a sink!

If bubbles form, you can rest assured that the peroxide is effective. If you don't see them, it's time to head to the pharmacy for a new bottle of hydrogen peroxide. It is worth remembering that storing the medicine in a container helps extend the shelf life. the right conditions. Make sure it is in a dark container and in a cool place.

We all encounter wound treatment from time to time. How quickly and easily it will heal depends on the correct treatment of the wound. It is very important to properly wash the wound and use an antiseptic to prevent the growth of germs and fungi in the wound. Today there is a wide selection of antiseptics, so it can be difficult to choose the best option.

Many of us habitually use brilliant green or iodine, but there are also more modern means. But will they be more effective or safer? We will try to understand this issue and choose the most safe, convenient and effective means for treating wounds.

How to properly treat a wound with an antiseptic

Before you start choosing an antiseptic, you need to understand that anyone, even the most best drug, must be used correctly, then it will not cause harm and will be useful.

If we treat a wound, then before using an antiseptic, it is advisable to wash it with running water and soap. Soap can also kill germs, so in many cases you can do without additional antiseptic treatment. It is also very important to ensure that the antiseptic does not irritate or damage and is not absorbed into the blood.

If you need to use an antiseptic in the area of ​​the eyes, mouth or nose, then alcohol or oil preparations are definitely not suitable. Only weak aqueous solutions can be used here. Before starting treatment with an antiseptic, you must wash your hands and try not to touch the sores unnecessarily.

Even ten centuries BC, the beginnings of antiseptics existed - surgeons calcined instruments in fire and washed them hot water and some plant juices.

If the wound is deep enough, then you should not fill it with an antiseptic, since it is not only very painful, it can also further injure the tissue, leading to its necrosis. It is usually recommended to treat only the edges of the wound. If it is necessary to treat the skin for any disease, it is better to first consult a dermatologist, since in some diseases the use of an antiseptic can only aggravate the situation.

Now let’s look at the most popular and in demand antiseptics in our country and the features of their use.

Using hydrogen peroxide to treat wounds

We usually use a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution, which is a clear, odorless liquid. This product can be used almost from birth; it is often recommended to wash the umbilical wound of newborns with hydrogen peroxide. It does not cause painful sensations during treatment, so most children easily agree to such a procedure, in contrast to treatment with “pinching” substances.

Hydrogen peroxide solution is one of the few antiseptics that can be applied directly to the wound. When it gets into a fresh wound, it occurs chemical reaction, during which it releases atomic oxygen, which kills microbes. In addition, it is important to consider that during the reaction, peroxide foams, cleaning the wound not only from germs, but also from pus and dead tissue.

Lucretius Carus, who lived before the beginning of our era, put forward a theory about the existence of invisible seeds in nature. According to his idea, some of these seeds caused diseases.

Most often, peroxide is used for processing umbilical wound, for soaking bandages and dried crusts on wounds, when treating small wounds and abrasions. But you should not allow hydrogen peroxide to come into contact with your eyes or any other mucous membranes, as it can cause them. If hydrogen peroxide accidentally gets into your eyes, you should immediately rinse them with as much water as possible.

Should I use brilliant green to treat wounds?

Zelenka, or, more correctly, a solution of brilliant green, is an aniline dye, which, by the will of fate or chance, became a favorite antiseptic in the post-Soviet space. Back in the 19th century, scientists discovered that aniline dyes kill germs, so they began to be used as antiseptics. Gradually, they were all replaced by more modern substances, but bright green remained one of the favorite means for treating wounds.

Brilliant green very quickly has a disinfecting and disinfecting effect, killing all bacteria in the wound area. Unlike iodine, brilliant green is less damaging to the skin, so it is often recommended for children. Everyone knows about using brilliant green to treat rashes during chickenpox. Here it helps not only to disinfect pimples, but also to mark them to make counting easier.

Green stuff is not used for heavy bleeding, as well as in the treatment of children with hypersensitivity to this drug. It is also prohibited to use brilliant green together with ammonia, chlorine, and iodine. Do not apply brilliant green to wet wounds.

The familiar term “antiseptic” was introduced into circulation only in 1750, and this was done by Dr. Pringle from England. But antiseptics began to be used in surgical practice only at the end of the 19th century.

An interesting fact related to brilliant green - nowhere in the world except post-Soviet countries is green green used. This is due not only to the aesthetic side of its use. main reason– lack of objective data on its safety. This is a very old drug that was invented even before the advent of modern methods drug studies, for example, for carcinogenicity. Naturally, today no one wants to study such an old and cheap medicine.

Using iodine solution as an antiseptic

One of the most popular antiseptics in our country is iodine solution. Five percent solutions are usually used, since a high concentration of the substance can lead to skin burns. Iodine solution is now available in liquid or pencil form. It is used to treat the edges of the wound. For children under one year of age, the use of iodine is not recommended, as their skin is too sensitive and iodine can cause irritation.

At local application Iodine kills all microbes on the surface to which it is applied. But it can also cause burning and irritation. If iodine gets into small wounds– this usually causes unpleasant painful sensations. Usually, pustular or inflammatory lesions skin, as well as lesions of both skin and nails. They also treat the edges of wounds. surgical field which helps prevent infection.

Antiseptics led the Hungarian obstetrician Ignaz Semmelweis to a madhouse, as his colleagues considered his craving for disinfection and sterility an eccentricity and got him placed in a psychiatric clinic.

Iodine should not be used simultaneously with ichthyol and ammonia, as this leads to a pronounced irritant effect on the patient’s skin. In addition, you should not treat mucous membranes with iodine or pour it into wounds.

Miramistin solution - a modern antiseptic (Video)

Miramistin solution is much more modern remedy, which, moreover, has a very wide range actions. Miramistin easily kills not only bacteria, but also fungi and viruses. Often he manages to cope even with those microorganisms that are not amenable to other antiseptics.

Miramistin solution is clear liquid tasteless (better not to try), colorless and odorless. It does not cause irritation even when it gets on mucous membranes and does not cause allergies. This allows you to use this substance even for children from the first days of life. When applied, it does not cause burning, pain or any discomfort.

Miramistin solution is used to treat abrasions and cuts, as well as burns, both solar and thermal. For stomatitis, it can be used to treat the oral cavity, and can also be used for candidiasis to treat affected skin, for sore throat and pharyngitis, for fungal infections of the nails and skin.

Before the advent of antiseptics in official medicine The people have already widely used substances such as incense, myrrh, wormwood, chamomile, aloe, rose hips, honey, sugar, alcohol, sulfur, kerosene and even ordinary salt to eliminate the risk of infection.

You can apply the miramistin solution using a cotton swab. There are also different drugs based on this substance, which are produced in bottles with droppers or sprays and are intended for different purposes. Miramistin solution not only kills harmful microorganisms, but also promotes rapid healing of wounds.

Chlorhexidine solution is an inexpensive and effective antiseptic

Today, chlorhexidine can be purchased at various dosage forms, in the form of a simple solution, in the form of a gel, cream or even a patch. This drug has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect against different bacteria, it can also fight fungi and even viruses. The activity of chlorhexidine remains in the presence of blood, pus, various secretions and any organic substances in the wound.

Chlorhexidine has a wide spectrum of action, which allows it to be used not only for the treatment of wounds, but also for the treatment of fungal and bacterial lesions skin and mucous membranes. In addition, this substance is widely used to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Chlorhexilin is also used in the treatment of periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.

At the end of the 19th century, carbolic acid, which in itself is a rather toxic substance, was widely used for antiseptic purposes. It was subsequently replaced by safer substances.

Contraindication for use this tool is only hypersensitivity to its components. During pregnancy, lactation, as well as in children, this substance should be used with caution. Taking the solution internally is strictly prohibited. In addition, even when used externally, it sometimes causes unpleasant side effects in the form of dermatitis, photosensitivity, etc.

During a hike, there is always a risk of getting some kind of damage or injury to the surface of the skin. Proper processing The wound promotes its speedy healing without the risk of blood poisoning, suppuration and infection. Of course, it is advisable to have a minimum set of first aid kits in your travel kit. necessary funds to provide first aid in case of wounds and abrasions, which refers to preliminary treatment.

Wound treatments

Exist general rules wound treatment:

• This process is carried out only with clean hands.
• The victim is positioned in such a way that there is no pressure on the damaged part of the body and maximum peace is maintained.
• The wound surface should be immediately covered with a clean napkin, gauze bandage or a bandage to prevent the entry of germs and dirt. The bleeding should be stopped as quickly as possible.
• The surface of the wound or abrasions is washed with water. If in hiking conditions there is no clean water, you need to filter and disinfect water from the nearest body of water using available means.
• The edges of the wound are treated with any antiseptic. If it is applied to the wound surface itself, it can damage the tissue and, in some cases, cause necrosis.
• Do not use oil or alcohol antiseptics to treat abrasions in the mouth, nose, or eyes. For this, a weak aqueous antiseptic solution is used.

If tissue damage is not treated and the bleeding of a deep wound is not stopped after two hours, there is a possibility of tetanus, sepsis, cardiac dysfunction, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If your health has sharply deteriorated within a day (the temperature has risen sharply, chills have begun, confusion has begun, muscle aches and weakness have appeared), there is a high probability that an infection has entered the bloodstream and it may become infected, which is very difficult to treat.

The antiseptic will destroy microbes, viruses, fungi that have entered damaged tissues, and will prevent their further development, infection, and blood poisoning. Antiseptic treatment of the fabric should be carried out within the first two hours. Antibiotics should not be used instead of antiseptics, since they only target bacterial microflora, while skin lesions may contain bacterial, fungal, or mixed microflora.

Among the antiseptics, the following liquids for treating wounds are distinguished: of various etiologies and type:

The edges of the damaged tissue are treated with iodine, otherwise a burn can be caused. This antiseptic should not be used for illnesses. thyroid gland, kidneys, various dermatitis.

• Zelenka

Treatment of the wound with brilliant green is carried out similarly to iodine - only at the edges. It has a drying effect and is used until the wound begins to heal. It cannot be used further so as not to cause a burn. Do not use if the wound is bleeding heavily.

• Chlorhexidine

Used when primary processing after the damaged tissue is treated with hydrogen peroxide. Just like peroxide, even a small amount of chlorhexidine destroys fungi, microbes, and viruses. To treat, you need to pour this antiseptic onto the wound from a syringe.

• Iodinol
• Furacilin

An aqueous solution of furatsilin is prepared at the rate of 10 tablets per liter of heated water. Wounds on the skin and mucous membranes are treated with a cooled solution, wetting them with a stream of antiseptic. In addition, it can be applied directly to a gauze bandage. Furacilin solution can be used both for primary treatment and for secondary treatment, as well as purulent wounds.

• Hydrogen peroxide

Only a 3% peroxide solution is used. During the initial treatment, foam is formed, which removes small contaminants from the wound surface. It is used both for primary treatment and secondary treatment for purulent lesions. Correct Application hydrogen peroxide does not consist of applying a bandage moistened with it, but wetting the wound with a pulsating stream of peroxide. As a rule, treatment with this antiseptic is carried out in the presence of shallow skin damage, as well as before the process of tissue scarring begins. Hydrogen peroxide is not used in combination with other antiseptics; it should be stored in a container protected from light.

• Alcohol

Only the edges of the pre-washed wound are treated with alcohol during initial treatment, after which another antiseptic (brilliant or iodine) is applied to it.

• Potassium permangantsovka

A weak manganese solution kills microorganisms. Each treatment should be carried out only with freshly prepared solution. Used when various injuries skin and mucous membranes.

• Miramistin

This is a modern antiseptic, used to treat open wounds and damage to the mucous membrane. Destroys various microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, fungi, helps with burns.

If you don’t have the above products with you, you can use a two percent soda solution, concentrated solution salt, vodka, chamomile infusion. Antiseptic properties have decoctions of St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, and raspberry. For open, weeping wounds, an aqueous solution of propolis helps. If the damage is shallow, you can prepare a remedy from aloe juice, sea ​​buckthorn oil and rose hips.

Treatment of abrasions and scratches

When the skin rubs against a hard, rough surface, abrasions and scratches form. The surface layer of the skin is damaged, small vessels are damaged, and pinpoint bleeding occurs. As a rule, a large surface of the skin is damaged, causing very painful sensations, since a large number of nerve endings are exposed. The difference between abrasions and deep wounds is that they heal quickly without leaving scars, since the damage does not affect the subcutaneous tissue.

Treatment minor damage consists of cleansing the wound from dirt, soil, and other debris using water (preferably running water). After this, you need to carry out an antiseptic treatment and cover with a gauze bandage so that it does not stick to the surface of the skin.

If the scratches are heavily soiled, you need to wash them with special care. So, for wounds on the limbs or fingers the best solution There will be antiseptic baths. If the torso, knees, or elbows are scratched, apply a damp gauze bandage to the damaged surface, and after the wound is dried, begin antiseptic treatment.

Treatment of deep wounds

It is necessary to understand that the treatment of deep wounds must be carried out with the subsequent provision of qualified medical care. Damage of more than two centimeters is considered deep, with penetration foreign objects when touched nerve endings, bringing sharp pain. Before medical care is provided, consisting of surgical suturing, it is necessary to treat the damage as quickly and efficiently as possible:

1. First you need to stop the bleeding using a tourniquet or a pressure bandage.
2. The skin around the wound is treated with a swab, folded bandage, and moistened with an antiseptic.
3. The damage is washed away from any dirt that has gotten there.
4. If the damage is serious, the wound will fester and become overgrown with granulation tissue. To relieve the inflammatory process, it is necessary to ensure a good outflow of pus.
5. For the first two days, the injury is treated with a swab moistened with a 10% saline solution, chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide and the same bandages are applied.
6. After 5-10 days, you can use antiseptic ointments that promote the outflow of pus (Vishnevsky, Streptocide ointment, Syntomethacin and the like).
7. At lacerations the damaged area is treated with a pulsating stream of antiseptic.

After receiving assistance while traveling, you should consult a doctor. Surgical assistance consists of suturing with preliminary dissection of the wound surface, treatment with an antiseptic, trimming the protruding uneven edges of the skin near the wound, and if there is purulent lesion– installation of drainage for its outflow. After inflammatory process will be docked, the doctor will apply stitches. After this, the affected area is bandaged with an antiseptic ointments in complex treatment antibiotics.

Hydrogen peroxide is a bactericidal and antiseptic effect. It is used to treat all kinds of wound surfaces, and it also helps to stop bleeding. Peroxide is used only for external treatment.

Indications for use:

• cut wounds;
• puncture wounds;
• cuts;
• for animal bites;
• purulent-septic wounds;
• gargling for sore throats;
• treatment of the nose for rhinosinusitis;
• destroys old blood residues;
• as an antiseptic, it destroys microorganisms in the wound itself;
• used for rinsing the mouth for diseases of the mucous membranes;
• used for bleeding;
• in gynecological practice for the treatment of various infectious processes.

Treatment of the wound with hydrogen peroxide is done using a napkin or swab. Only 3% H2O2 composition is used, if the wound is 1-2 cm, you cannot pour the drug solution directly onto the wound area, since extensive wounds, where deep layers are affected, the solution may enter directly into the circulatory system.

Contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance to the drug;
2. Having an allergy to peroxide.

Side effects: Slight tingling and burning sensation in the wound area.

Treatment of a wound with hydrogen peroxide:

• First of all, you need to remove the clothing, then rinse the wound thoroughly. warm water and soap.
• We wash the wound from the very center, then move to the edges of the wound surface.
• After treatment, you can fill the affected area with hydrogen peroxide, without using cotton pads, as the villi may remain in the wound and cause a secondary process.
• We treat the edges of the wound with iodine solution. This will not contribute to infection of neighboring parts skin.

Signs of secondary infection:

1. The edges of the wound become bright red and the edges of the wound surface become swollen;
2. the skin around the lesion becomes purple;
3. body temperature will be high;
4. with a long process, symptoms of general intoxication.

Wound treatment:

Often victims think that they can treat the wound at home and go to the doctor with the presence of pus in it. If it's a small cut, you'll need to get started first. hygiene procedures and be sure to wash the wound.

It is recommended to fill shallow wounds with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, not only wet it, but treat it generously. The peroxide solution will always foam during processing., while the smallest particles are removed from the affected area. Moreover, this good method disinfection. After treating the wound surface, it is necessary to apply a sterile bandage to the affected area and secure it with an adhesive plaster.

Treatment of open wounds with hydrogen peroxide should begin with stopping bleeding by any in an accessible way. When the surface of the wound does not require suturing, it is permissible to treat the wound at home. Foreign objects are removed from the surface of the wound: dirt, torn clothing, but under no circumstances should you go deep into the wound.

If there is no medical help yet, we begin the treatment by washing our hands.

1. It is necessary to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide and the edges of the wound with iodine solution. Do not allow the iodine solution to penetrate into the wound surface.. After this, we put napkins or bandages on the surface; if there are none, then just clean linen.
2. If the bleeding is minor, we apply a pressure bandage to the bleeding vessel. If the bleeding intensifies, apply a tight bandage 5-7 cm above the wound site; you can put any soft object under the wound.

During the first days, blood clots should be removed from the wound area, then thoroughly treated with peroxide, after which it is possible to apply a gauze bandage with ointment, for example, “Levomekol” or a clean aloe leaf.
The best option treatment and treatment of open wounds will be the method of suturing. Such wounds always heal faster and there is less risk of secondary infection.
We treat a purulent wound only with gloves.

Treatment of the source of inflammation:

Rinse the wound two or three times in a row with hydrogen peroxide, then you can change to another antiseptic. Purulent surfaces cannot be treated with water, as water causes secondary infection, and the use of alcohol increases the pain.

Do not lubricate purulent wounds with ointments or creams. Do not apply cotton pads to purulent wound surfaces, as lint from the cotton remains. After treatment, apply a clean sterile napkin (preferably with Vishnevsky, aloe or Levomekol ointment) or a bandage. Next you need to fix everything well.
Wounds 1.5-2 centimeters with pus are subject to mandatory medical supervision.

Specialty: General Practitioner
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after. Sechenov in 2010

Hydrogen peroxide is the most famous antiseptic that allows you to treat wounds of any nature: cuts, deep scratches, abrasions, postoperative sutures, boils, pimples, suppuration. Using peroxide, you can instantly disinfect an injury, due to which regeneration processes will occur faster. The drug is used to avoid the entry of pathogenic microflora into the body and the development of extensive inflammatory processes.

When using it, you need to take into account some features of this antibacterial agent. So as not to injure yourself more harm- It is recommended to follow the instructions carefully.

Hydrogen peroxide - rare chemical compound, almost never found in nature, acts as a powerful antiseptic. Due to its properties, peroxide is used in both traditional and folk medicine. H2O2 has the following qualities:

1. Bactericidal - destroys pathogenic microorganisms on the skin. When treating wounds, it prevents the development of infections, because stops the proliferation of bacteria.
2. Hemostatic - stops superficial bleeding. Upon direct contact with damaged skin, foam is formed, which clogs bleeding small vessels.
3. Antibacterial - prevents the penetration of harmful microflora into the bloodstream, as it disinfects and disinfects festering wounds, suppressing the proliferation of bacteria.

Antiseptic drug H2O2 is one of the best oxidants. Upon contact with damaged skin, peroxide breaks down, forming molecular oxygen, it is this component that gives the disinfecting effect. Thus, instant cleansing occurs, as well as inactivation (oxidation) of the organic components of cells (blood, pus, proteins). Atomic oxygen destroys harmful microorganisms that enter its area of ​​influence.

Foaming mechanically cleanses the wound. This interaction is harmless to the body, so 3% hydrogen peroxide is used to rinse the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. At correct use The product is suitable for adults and children.

Despite the effectiveness of the drug, there is also negative factors, which cannot be ignored. The antiseptic effect of hydrogen peroxide is not the basis of therapy for deep wounds - only in combination with medications: bactericidal ointment and sterile bandage.

Why does peroxide fizz on a wound?

Peroxide fizzes and foams on the wound due to the reaction of peroxide decomposition into oxygen and water. Foaming and breakdown of the drug is caused by a special enzyme, catalase, contained in the tissues of the human body and blood cells.

Peroxide preparations are a form of reactive oxygen. Due to the property of weak bonds with molecules, peroxide oxidizes (decomposes) organic tissues. Due to the instant reaction, foam and hissing appear. Catalase is a biologically active substance contained in human and animal cells. Its function is the decomposition of peroxide into elements that are safe for humans (H2O and O2).

Essentially, this removes toxic compounds from tissues. Depending on the “contamination” of the wound, the intensity of this process can be light or too violent. The solution washes away microbes from the surface of damaged skin, softens scabs, removes dirt and pus, and gets rid of blood or serous effusion.

Helpful advice

During the oxidative reaction, the pathogenic flora dies and the wound is disinfected. Foaming forces the transition of fibrinogen to fibrin; during bleeding, this causes blood clotting, which helps slow or stop capillary blood flow.

How to properly treat a wound with peroxide

At first glance, it is not difficult to properly treat a wound with 3% peroxide. To wash the damaged area with the solution, you do not need specialized skills. But not everything is so simple - trying to help, you can easily do harm.

Actions when treating a wound with peroxide:

1. The wound is treated with a bandage or gauze swab, which is generously moistened with H2O2.
2. The swab is applied to the wound and held on the damaged area - preferably with tweezers or a rubber-gloved hand, minimizing direct contact with the open wound. It may sting at first, but it will go away quickly.
3. Using blotting movements, the wound is treated from the center to the sides to the edges.
4. The foam is removed using a dry bandage swab.
5. The procedure is repeated several times, then a bactericidal cream, ointment or sterile bandage is applied to the damaged surface.

To prevent burns, which aggravate healing, when using hydrogen peroxide, it is forbidden to increase the percentage of solution concentration.

Wounds on people

Treatment of wounds with suppuration using hydrogen peroxide is carried out as follows:

1. Pour peroxide in a thin stream onto old “sticky” bandages, then wait 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully remove the bandage. If the bandage is very stuck and removal causes pain, then increase the amount of peroxide until the dried pus has liquefied.
3. Using a sterile bandage swab, carefully remove the scab with pus from the surface of the wound.
4. Moisten a clean swab generously in 3% peroxide and blot the wound several times. It may burn a little - this is a normal reaction to the drug.

Animal wounds

Scratching behind the ears or on the tail, bites, scratches or cuts on the paws, abrasions - hydrogen peroxide antiseptic can also be used for these injuries in animals. Damage to the integrity of the skin can lead to bleeding of varying intensity and the spread of infection. Therefore, the injury requires intervention and disinfection.

To treat a wound on a cat or dog at home, you need to carefully trim the hair around it or moisten it with water and spread it to the sides. Next, the wound is washed with peroxide. After treating the wound, it is recommended to show your pet to a veterinarian to rule out serious pathologies.

Helpful advice

It is worth considering that antiseptics are prescribed to both people and animals not to heal wounds, but primarily for disinfection, i.e. destroying infections and preventing inflammation.

Is it possible to treat seams with hydrogen peroxide?

Is it possible to treat seams with hydrogen peroxide at home? Yes, it is possible and necessary! After all, the key to healing is uninfected sutures, i.e. exception surgical infection. Therefore, in addition to observing asepsis, it is extremely important to also observe antiseptics. This includes a set of procedures for postoperative treatment of sutures with antiseptics, which should be started immediately after surgical interventions and continue until complete healing.

Helpful advice

After caesarean section seam treatment at home is the most important phase postoperative period, requiring a competent approach. After a cesarean section there is always a possibility bacterial infection. Common cause This is caused by ignoring the rules of personal hygiene and neglecting instructions for caring for the wound.

Once bacteria enter the wound, they immediately begin to multiply, causing inflammation. Therefore, disinfection and disinfection with 3% hydrogen peroxide is one of the main stages. It is necessary to use the drug, because the result of inflammation can turn out badly.

For the antibacterial procedure, it is necessary to wipe the postoperative sutures 2-3 times a day with a sterile gauze swab soaked in 3% peroxide.

The advantage of peroxide is its hemostatic properties. In case of bleeding or suppuration of the wound, after discharge home from the hospital - 3% hydrogen peroxide is the first remedy.

How to treat a wound if there is no hydrogen peroxide?

Instead of peroxide, you can choose another antiseptic. But here you need to take into account the nature of the injury and the rules for applying a particular disinfectant. For example, an antiseptic should not be absorbed into the blood. So, if you don’t have peroxide on hand, use substitutes:

• Chlorhexidine. The drug is mainly released in the form liquid solutions(on water based) and spray (on alcohol based). Active ingredient included in creams, ointments, gels. When treating skin lesions, it is recommended to use an aqueous solution, because... penetrating into the wound, it provides therapeutic effect without damaging upper layer skin. Active substance means, coming into contact with pathogenic microorganisms, damages cell walls, destroying them. As an external antiseptic "Chlorhexidine" - best analogue 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is used to treat burns, purulent and wound injuries.
• Miramistin. An antiseptic drug for external consumption, which is highly active in the fight against bacteria, burns, viruses, fungi and other microbes. An excellent alternative to peroxide for treating cuts, abrasions and other wounds. It is a popular antiseptic and antimicrobial agent enhances the regeneration processes of damaged tissues and increases protective reactions during inflammation.
• Iodine. Alcohol solution, which is probably present in the medicine cabinet of every home. The drug effectively disinfects superficial wounds and promotes the resorption of infiltrates. Bruises, abrasions, non-purulent inflammations and sprains are treated with iodine. However, iodine is not suitable for washing a wound - it cannot be directly applied to deep and bleeding wounds, because this can cause burns to already injured tissue. Therefore, the product is applied only along the edges of the damaged skin.
• Green (or brilliant green). Also antiseptic. But compared to iodine, this solution has a milder effect. Getting green paint into a wound does not cause tissue burns. The solution is suitable for treating soft tissues. WITH purulent formations also copes well, while stimulating healing without drying out the skin. Therefore, the use of brilliant green is appropriate if the wound is open or the skin is too sensitive. Treating wounds with brilliant green prevents the flow of lymph and other moisture, due to stagnation of which suppuration begins.

Oil and alcohol antiseptics are strictly not recommended for treating injuries in the eyes, mouth and nose. Low concentration hydrogen peroxide is suitable for disinfection. Even diluted 0.5% peroxide retains antiseptic properties without irritating or burning sensitive areas. This drug is recommended for children and pregnant women.

Cautions and contraindications

Antiseptics are used to treat the upper skin and open wounds. But this takes into account some important aspects so as not to harm yourself even more.

Cautions:

1. The disinfection process with 3% hydrogen peroxide should be carried out with clean hands.
2. After rinsing with an antiseptic, immediately cover the wound surface with a sterile gauze bandage, bandage, or apply antibacterial ointment to prevent the entry of germs.

Contraindications:

• It is forbidden to use H2O2 in case of heavy venous and arterial bleeding.
• If you are allergic to the components of the drug, it is better to avoid it.
• It is prohibited to inject peroxide into a deep wound with a syringe - this can damage the tissue, cause severe burns and even cause necrosis.
• Do not use antiseptic to treat wounds or postoperative sutures more often than 3 times a day.

If you do not treat damaged tissue with an antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, the likelihood of infection entering the wound is high, which can cause sepsis, tetanus, suppuration and other troubles.

The presenter of the program “About the Most Important Thing” will tell you what to do with a cut wound so as not to cause harm.