What is Hydrogen Peroxide? Uses, warnings & side effects

Healthcare providers advise people not to put hydrogen peroxide on the skin because it can irritate or damage the skin.

Healthcare providers discourage the use of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds because it damages healthy skin tissues inside the cut and could interfere with the healing process. 

Topical or first aid use:

• Follow the instructions carefully and do not use too much.

• Clean and dry the skin area before applying hydrogen peroxide.

• Apply the solution with a clean cloth or wipe to the affected area only.

• Give the affected area time to dry before applying a bandage or dressing.

Oral care use:

• Read and follow the instructions.

• Use low-concentration products.

• Products are applied two to four times a day to the teeth, gums, or mouth surfaces. 

• Based on safety research, it may be best to limit doses to no more than twice per day. 

• Always spit out the rinse, gel, or toothpaste. Never swallow it.

Store hydrogen peroxide solution or products at room temperature in a light-resistant and tightly closed container.

For most uses, hydrogen peroxide isn’t dosed on a regular schedule.

If disinfecting a surface has been forgotten, do it at any time it’s remembered.

For first aid, healthcare providers discourage the use of hydrogen peroxide. 

• For disinfecting the skin, apply a missed application when remembered.

• For cuts or scrapes, there are no guidelines for missed applications of a disinfectant.

• Do not use extra hydrogen peroxide on the skin to make up for a missed application.

For oral products, take the missed dose when remembered. Do not exceed the number of daily applications advised in the product’s instructions.

This medicine is generally considered safe for most people if used at low concentrations.

However, healthcare professionals discourage its use on the skin or to clean cuts or scrapes.

Healthcare professionals do not consider hydrogen peroxide to be an appropriate treatment for cuts, scrapes, or acne. Before using hydrogen peroxide for these or other topical purposes, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Topical hydrogen peroxide warnings:

• If using hydrogen peroxide for first aid, do not use it on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns unless approved by a doctor.

• Do not apply hydrogen peroxide over large areas of the skin.

• After applying hydrogen peroxide to a surface or the skin, do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose until you’ve washed your hands.

• Do not use topical hydrogen peroxide for longer than seven days.

• Stop using topical hydrogen peroxide if the skin gets red or irritated or if the wound or condition worsens.

Oral care hydrogen peroxide warnings:

• For oral care, products that contain concentrations of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or less are considered safe. Products with hydrogen peroxide concentrations between 0.1% and 6% may be risky. Products with hydrogen peroxide concentrations higher than 6% are not considered safe.

• Do not use hydrogen peroxide oral care products in young children. For older children, consult a dentist or doctor first.

• Do not use hydrogen peroxide oral care products for longer than seven days except when instructed to by a doctor or dentist.

• Stop using hydrogen peroxide oral care products and call a doctor if you experience swelling, rash, or fever while using the product.

Hydrogen peroxide is very toxic. Do not swallow it or inhale its fumes.

Do not get any hydrogen peroxide on the eyes.

• If any hydrogen peroxide gets in the eyes, rinse the eye with cold water.

Never use hydrogen peroxide in an enema. Hydrogen peroxide enemas can cause harsh side effects and, in high enough amounts, significant injury.

Topical hydrogen peroxide has no major drug interactions.

When using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect surfaces, do not mix it with vinegar. The combination produces a poisonous and corrosive chemical and fumes.