Why peroxide turns skin white

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical agent used in cleaning products. Due to its antibacterial and bleaching properties, some people use it on their skin. However, many health authorities do not consider this safe. Some people use hydrogen peroxide, or products that contain it, to address skin issues such as acne or hyperpigmentation. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in commercial products vary, depending on their intended use.

People use hydrogen peroxide on the skin in many ways, such as to prevent infections in minor wounds, such as scrapes or small cuts. However, experts no longer recommend using hydrogen peroxide in wound care, as it can irritate or damage the cells responsible for wound healing.

They recommend that if the chemical touches the skin, a person should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. In rare cases, using hydrogen peroxide on wounds can cause an oxygen embolism. This involves a blood vessel being blocked by an air bubble, and it can be life threatening. Hydrogen peroxide has disinfecting and bleaching properties, and as a result, some people believe that it can combat infections, reduce blemishes, lighten the skin, and ease symptoms of certain conditions.

The same research indicates that hydrogen peroxide also causes fewer side effects. Though this may seem promising, people in the U. Instead of trying products containing hydrogen peroxide, people in the U. Lean what other research says about using hydrogen peroxide for acne here.

The ATSDR note that exposure to diluted solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause temporary skin bleaching. Overall, the risk of severe burns and blistering is far greater than the likelihood of skin lightening. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration FDA have approved a hydrogen peroxide topical solution as a treatment for a type of noncancerous growth called seborrheic keratoses. However, to prevent skin damage, researchers warn that doctors should limit treatment to 2—4 applications.

Always speak with a healthcare provider before using hydrogen peroxide on the skin. They can usually suggest a less risky and more effective approach. Using hydrogen peroxide on the skin can cause adverse reactions , including:. It can also cause eye damage — and if a person swallows or inhales hydrogen peroxide, the effects can be severe. You can buy it in wipes or as a liquid to apply with a cotton ball. Medical professionals no longer use this acid as a disinfecting agent.

Hydrogen peroxide may inadvertently damage healthy cells around wounds that are needed for healing. A study reported this negative side effect of using hydrogen peroxide occurred in in mice. Proponents claim that its wound healing effects may translate to acne treatment and other skin issues like hyperpigmentation.

Still, the dangers of the product far outweigh any potential benefits when it comes to your skin. These complications include:. More serious risks are associated with higher concentrations and long-term use. If you get hydrogen peroxide on your skin, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water. You may need to rinse for up to 20 minutes if it gets in your eyes.

For bleaching skin, an older study reported that you need a concentration of between 20 and 30 percent. The risks of burns and scars are far greater than any potential skin lightening effects. A hydrogen peroxide-based cream called Crystacide was just as potent as benzoyl peroxide with fewer cases of reported sensitivity. However, Crystacide only contains a 1 percent concentration and is part of a combination product. Ask your dermatologist before purchasing OTC treatments.

Some prescription formulas are also available. Instead of taking a risk with hydrogen peroxide, there are other ingredients that have been researched and have been shown to be safe and effective. Wound treatment depends on whether you have a burn, scrape, or an open cut. Your approach to treatment should aim to stop any bleeding while protecting your skin so it can heal without becoming damaged or infected.

Try the following steps:. Blackheads and whiteheads are two types of noninflammatory acne. These individuals are starting the wound healing cascade already impeded by low healing potential, so pouring hydrogen peroxide on their wounds even initially can drastically affect their chance of ever healing. For diabetic patients, especially after a skin injury, the odds of healing not only stack up against you but they do so quickly.

My approach has always been to take all steps possible to heal wounds in the shortest amount of time and to decrease the risk of infection which may lead to delayed wound healing, and in some individuals limb loss. So the question is not whether hydrogen peroxide is beneficial. That is not up for debate - there are many good uses for it, just not on wounds. Wounds can instead be cleaned with mild soap and water immediately after an injury. On a long-term basis, there are a myriad of wound cleansing options available which will help to remove biofilm and reduce bioburden in the wound but not affect the healthy skin cells.

Allowing the proliferation of fibroblast cells in the wound cells that play an important role in forming new granulation tissue and getting the wound healed. Although the debate on the effectiveness of using hydrogen peroxide on wounds may continue, one thing that is certain is wound care has grown so much especially over the past 20 years.

There are many advanced wound care modalities available, many of which we provide at the Davis Regional Medical Center Wound Healing Center. Wound Care staff will be on site to answer any questions you may have. Avg ER Wait: 5Min. Rachel Rader, DPM. Refine Results Search by keyword. About Us. Hospital Opportunities.