Hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant for wounds

Hydrogen peroxide usually does more harm then help when used as a disinfectant for wounds. The same is true for rubbing alcohol.
Historically hydrogen peroxide was used for disinfecting wounds, partly because of its low cost and prompt availability compared to other antiseptics. Now it is thought to inhibit healing and to induce scarring, because it destroys newly formed skin cells.Wilgus TA, Bergdall VK, Dipietro LA, Oberyszyn TM (2005). "Hydrogen peroxide disrupts scarless fetal wound repair". Wound Repair Regen. 13 (5): 513–519. doi:10.1111/j.1067-1927.2005.00072.x. PMID 16176460. S2CID 1028923. One study found that only very low concentrations (0.03% solution, this is a dilution of typical 3% Peroxide by 100 times) may induce healing, and only if not applied repeatedly. A 0.5% solution was found to impede healing.Loo, Alvin Eng Kiat; Wong, Yee Ting; Ho, Rongjian; Wasser, Martin; Du, Tiehua; Ng, Wee Thong; Halliwell, Barry; Sastre, Juan (13 November 2012). "Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Wound Healing in Mice in Relation to Oxidative Damage". PLOS ONE. 7 (11): e49215. Bibcode:2012PLoSO...749215L. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049215. PMC 3496701. PMID 23152875."Hydrogen peroxide: reminder of risk of gas embolism when used in surgery". www.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016. Surgical use can lead to gas embolism formation.Shaw, A; Cooperman, A; Fusco, J (1967). "Gas embolism produced by hydrogen peroxide". N Engl J Med. 277 (5): 238–241. doi:10.1056/nejm196708032770504. PMID 6029311. Despite this, it is still used for wound treatment in many countries, and, in the United States, is prevalent as a major first aid antiseptic.Rahman, GA; Adigun, IA; Yusuf, IF; Ofoegbu, CKP (28 May 2010). "Wound dressing where there is limitation of choice". Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research. 8 (3–4). doi:10.4314/njsr.v8i3-4.54882.Velding, K.; Klis, S.-A.; Abass, K. M.; Tuah, W.; Stienstra, Y.; van der Werf, T. (9 June 2014). "Wound Care in Buruli Ulcer Disease in Ghana and Benin". American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 91 (2): 313–318. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.13-0255. PMC 4125255. PMID 24914002.
Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap. Rinse the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Wounds that are large, deep, or bleeding nonstop should be treated by a professional.
== References ==
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide
https://www.davisregional.com/news-room/why-you-should-stop-using-hydrogen-peroxide-on-wou-13469