Its chemical formula is H2O2, with the two oxygen atoms joined together by a single covalent bond and the two hydrogen atoms bonding individually to each oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide is used in various fields, including the medical field, the cosmetic field and the industrial field.
In the medical field, hydrogen peroxide is a moderate disinfectant, particularly useful for:
- prevent skin infections at the level of small wounds;
- alleviate irritation of the mouth;
- sterilize surgical instruments and operating rooms.
As a disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide causes rare adverse effects, is usable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, is inexpensive, and is widely available on the market.
, bacterial spores, viruses and yeasts.These disinfectant abilities make it useful for:
- The prevention of infections that can result from small cuts, bruises and minor burns on the skin. To obtain the desired preventive effects from hydrogen peroxide, the user must clean the anatomical area of interest and apply the disinfectant product in question more than once a day.
In addition, doctors recommend dressing the wound after each application to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
With regard to the instructions for use, contact with the eyes and application on very extensive wounds should be avoided.
In case of poor results, the user should consult the attending physician. - The cleaning of the mouth and the reduction of irritation with the oral seat. Generally, doctors recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide to wash the mouth for patients with gingivitis, cold sores and minor oral wounds.
In these situations, the methods of use are very simple: the user must mix a certain amount of hydrogen peroxide in a glass with an "equal amount of" water, pour it into the mouth, without swallowing it, and keep it in place for at least one minute.
For best results, the user should repeat the above operation at least 4 times a day.
If, despite the applications of hydrogen peroxide, oral problems persist, it is advisable for the user to contact the treating physician. - Sterilization of surgical instruments and operating rooms.
Advantages of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide is an advantageous disinfectant for at least two reasons: the easy availability on the market (the product for skin use can also be purchased in a normal supermarket) and the low cost.
COSMETIC USE
In the cosmetic field, hydrogen peroxide is known for at least three reasons:
- As a hair whitening agent. In this case, it must be mixed with ammonium hydroxide. The effect on the hair is also known as oxygenated blond.
- As a teeth whitening agent. In these situations, the user can mix it with baking soda and salt (sodium chloride) to make a homemade toothpaste.
- As an anti-acne product.
INDUSTRIAL USE
In the industrial field, hydrogen peroxide can be used in various sectors:
- In the paper industry, it represents a product for whitening cellulose and paper.
- In the textile industry, it represents a product for whitening garments.
- In the water purification sector, it is an oxidizing agent that eliminates some impurities that can be found in the water.
- Etc.
OTHER USES
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound also used in the production of:
- Propellants
- Explosives
- Fluorescent sticks (or glow sticks)
Furthermore, it is also used in horticulture - as an improver of the root development of plants - and in the breeding of small fish, for which it represents a source of oxygen.
stinging and / or irritation, all at the level of the site where it is applied.
If these adverse effects persist, it is advisable to contact your doctor for a consultation.
ARE ALLERGIC REACTIONS POSSIBLE?
Rarely, the use of hydrogen peroxide causes allergic reactions.
Characterized by skin rash (exanthema), itching, swelling of the face / tongue / throat, dizziness and / or difficulty in breathing, allergic reactions from hydrogen peroxide require immediate medical attention.
Before disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide, the user should make sure that the product does not contain any excipients to which he is allergic.
In fact, doctors strongly advise against the use of hydrogen peroxide preparations capable of developing an allergic reaction.
USE IN PREGNANCY AND DURING BREASTFEEDING
The use of hydrogen peroxide during pregnancy is safe and has no contraindications.
As regards the use of hydrogen peroxide during breastfeeding, some scientific evidence reports that the product rarely mixes with breast milk.
Therefore, in this second case, it is always better to ask your doctor for advice.
In case of ingestion, it is good to contact your doctor immediately, because, in these situations, the hydrogen peroxide could be harmful.
IN CASE OF NON-RECRUITMENT
For the "user who forgets an application" of hydrogen peroxide, the doctor recommends using the product as soon as he realizes the forgetting and as soon as he has the possibility.
The recovery of the forgotten administration requires the postponement of subsequent doses.
Forgetting about an application is not a good reason to double the doses of hydrogen peroxide.
to the domestic one.
- For nail whitening. To whiten your fingernails and toenails, you need to soak them in a solution based on hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes.
- To soften corns and calluses. The softening effect against corns and calluses is obtained by mixing hydrogen peroxide with hot water and immersing the anatomical part of interest (usually feet or hands) in the resulting solution.
- For cleaning ear wax from earwax. The application in an ear of a few drops of hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 minutes, followed by the application of a few drops of olive oil for an equal time, favors the elimination of earwax, when the drainage of as applied.
- To prevent swimmer's ear infection. In these situations, the application of hydrogen peroxide must take place shortly after bathing in the water.
- To prevent ear infections. A few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear cleanses the ear of dangerous bacteria that could infect it.
- For cleaning kitchen surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide effectively removes dirt and stains from the surfaces of the kitchen at home, an environment where hygiene is essential.
- For cleaning bathtub surfaces.
- For cleaning mirrors.
- To prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the most at-risk surfaces of the house.
- For cleaning fruit and vegetables. After washing fruit and vegetables in hydrogen peroxide, they must be washed in drinking water.
- For the disinfection of cutting boards and other similar objects, where raw meat or vegetables usually rest.
- For cleaning the refrigerator at home. In this case, the application of hydrogen peroxide should last a few minutes. To remove the product, it is advisable to use a clean cloth.
- To eliminate bad smells from moldy fabrics. To obtain the desired results, moldy fabrics must be immersed in a solution based on hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar.
