Evidence supporting the use of: Hydrogen peroxide
For the health condition: Impetigo

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Hydrogen peroxide has some scientific backing for its use in the treatment of impetigo, particularly as a topical antiseptic. Impetigo is a common superficial bacterial skin infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Traditionally, topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or fusidic acid have been first-line treatments. However, increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance have led to interest in non-antibiotic alternatives like hydrogen peroxide. A notable randomized controlled trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2007) compared 1% hydrogen peroxide cream with 2% fusidic acid cream in the treatment of impetigo. The study found that hydrogen peroxide cream was non-inferior to fusidic acid in terms of clinical cure rates. This has led to regulatory approval in some countries (for example, the UK) for over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide cream as a treatment for localized, non-bullous impetigo. Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen free radicals, which have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Its use is generally limited to mild, localized cases and is not suitable for extensive or severe infections. While hydrogen peroxide is not as extensively studied as topical antibiotics, available evidence supports its effectiveness for mild impetigo and positions it as a useful alternative, especially where antibiotic stewardship is a concern.

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