Evidence supporting the use of: Hydrogen peroxide
For the health condition: Infection (bacterial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has a long history of use as an antiseptic for minor wounds and bacterial infections on the skin. Its antimicrobial properties are well documented: hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen free radicals, which oxidize and damage cell components of bacteria, leading to their destruction. This mechanism has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies, showing broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Clinically, hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used as a topical agent for cleaning wounds and preventing superficial infections. Some clinical guidelines recommend its use for initial wound cleansing due to its ability to mechanically remove debris and reduce bacterial load. However, its use is generally limited to superficial wounds, as higher concentrations or prolonged exposure can damage healthy tissue and impede healing. For deeper or chronic wounds, or for systemic infections, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended due to the risk of tissue toxicity and lack of evidence for benefit.
Overall, while hydrogen peroxide’s use is supported by scientific evidence for minor, superficial bacterial infections and wound cleansing, its efficacy is moderate and it is not recommended for deeper or more serious infections. The evidence is strongest for its antimicrobial action in vitro and in minor wound care, but less robust for clinical outcomes compared to other antiseptics.
More about Hydrogen peroxide
More about Infection (bacterial)
Other ingredients used for Infection (bacterial)
2'-Fucosyllactoseajoene
allspice
alpha-pinene
annatto
bacillus clausii
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bayberry
bearberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bisabolol
black cumin
black pepper
black walnut
burdock
caprylic acid
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
immunoglobin G
iodine
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
LL12-myoviridae
LL5-siphoviridae
mangosteen
methenamine
monolaurin
moringa
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
purified silver
saccharomyces boulardii
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
streptococcus thermophilus
T4D-myoviridae
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
xylitol
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
pau d'arco
myrrh
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
white oak
abies spectabilis
geranium
sea salt
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Alcohol
Avens
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Alantolactone
Bee Propolis
Bifidobacterium
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Berberis (unspecified)
Brazillian peppertree
Basidiomycota
Brevibacillus brevis
Bauhinia
Bacillus licheniformis
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Backhousia citriodora
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bacteria
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Carvacrol
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Cajuput
Celandine
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cosmos
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dehydroabietic acid
DIVI-DIVI
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Elemi
Embelia
Eugenol
Vinegar