Can hydrogen peroxide be used topically?

Author: Dr. Lincoln Cummerata  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Description. Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat raised seborrheic keratoses (waxy and scaly, raised areas of skin). This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to remove seborrheic keratosis?

After 3 weeks, lesions that had not cleared, based on the Physician's Lesion Assessment (PLA) scale, were retreated; 97% of patients required retreatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients with all 4 lesions graded clear on the PLA scale after 106 days.

Why do doctors say not to use hydrogen peroxide?

However, many patients who come in with a non-healing wound will be using hydrogen peroxide to treat it, and once they stop, the wound will heal. Hydrogen peroxide is not an effective treatment because it actually irritates the skin and inhibits wound healing.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to remove age spots?

Gently massage it into the skin for a couple of seconds. Let it sit and rinse: Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the age spots for about 5 minutes. If you feel extreme irritation, rinse it immediately. But if you feel only mild tingling, let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes.

How to prepare hydrogen peroxide topical solution?

The electrolysis of 30 percent ice-cold H₂SO₄ produces hydrogen peroxide. An acidified sulphate solution is electrolyzed at a high current density to create peroxodisulphate. Hydrogen peroxide is produced when peroxodisulphate is hydrolyzed. At room temperature, it is a colourless liquid with a harsh flavour.

9 Unexpected Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide

Can you apply hydrogen peroxide directly to skin?

To help prevent this, people often douse a cut with hydrogen peroxide before applying ointment and bandage. They've been doing it for decades, in fact. But it's a practice that's no longer advised. "Hydrogen peroxide is actually detrimental to wound healing," says Dr.

How do you use hydrogen peroxide topically?

If you are using this product on the skin, clean the affected area before use. Apply a small amount of product on the affected area, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you apply a bandage after using this product, let the area dry first.

What happens if you leave hydrogen peroxide on your skin for too long?

Prolonged exposure to concentrated vapor or to dilute solutions can cause irritation and temporary bleaching of skin and hair. Contact with concentrated solutions can cause severe skin burns with blisters.

What is the fastest way to get rid of age spots naturally?

There are several at-home treatments that can reduce the look of age spots, including:
  1. Exfoliation. Skin cells regenerate about every month or so. ...
  2. Vitamin C serums. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps brighten skin and stimulates collagen production. ...
  3. Skin brightening serums. ...
  4. Prescription topicals. ...
  5. Chemical peels.

What should you not use hydrogen peroxide for?

Hydrogen peroxide was often used in the past as an antiseptic on cuts and scrapes and could be found in most first aid kits and bathroom cabinets. However, experts have stopped recommending it for this use as it is thought that it could harm the healthy cells around the cut and stop it from healing quickly.

What are the side effects of hydrogen peroxide on skin?

Side Effects
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
  • skin burning, itching, pain, rash, stinging, or swelling skin ulcers.

What does soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide do?

Hydrogen peroxide is easily accessible and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for treating foot fungus. Here are some of its key benefits: Effective Antifungal Properties: Hydrogen peroxide can break down the fungal cells that cause infections. Safe and Easy to Use: When used properly, hydrogen peroxide is safe.

Why did hospitals stop using hydrogen peroxide?

While hydrogen peroxide effectively removes debris and disinfects the wound, it can also damage healthy tissues. The same oxidative stress that kills bacteria can slow down the healing process and cause irritation or further injury to the affected area.

Can I remove my seborrheic keratosis myself?

Some topical products that treat seborrheic keratosis are available without a prescription, including 0.1% tazarotene cream and alpha hydroxy acid products. A person who wishes to treat their condition at home should speak with a doctor for a recommendation.

What are three negative effects of hydrogen peroxide?

► Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic keratosis?

Introduction. Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign epidermal tumors with high sun exposure as a major risk factor. Vitamin D deficiency is also thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.

Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots?

There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

What vitamin makes age spots go away?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

Why is my skin turning white after hydrogen peroxide?

Blanching developed within 30 to 300 seconds after contact with H2O2 and lasted from 10 to 30 minutes. It is proposed that the topical application of H2O2 induces a transient vasoconstriction of vessels in the superficial dermis.

Is witch hazel better than hydrogen peroxide?

And, you may be more willing to take on the extra pain that comes with applying hydrogen peroxide to an open wound (if you haven't had this experience before, consider yourself lucky!). On the other hand, witch hazel is a better choice for wounds that have a lower risk of infection.

What does hydrogen peroxide do to hair?

How does hydrogen peroxide affect hair structure? Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the cuticle to reach the cortex, where natural pigments are found. As an oxidising agent, it causes a chemical reaction which breaks down these pigments, leading to lightening or discolouration of the hair.

Why does hydrogen peroxide bubble on nail fungus?

Let it work: Allow the hydrogen peroxide to work on the affected area. You may notice bubbling or fizzing when the hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the fungus. This is normal and indicates that hydrogen peroxide is degrading organic material.

Does hydrogen peroxide really get rid of age spots?

For this procedure, the dermatologist will apply the hydrogen peroxide solution to the age spot. The solution works to dissolve the pigment in the spot but may require several treatments for optimal results, particularly if the spot is large or very dark.

Can you swish topical hydrogen peroxide?

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe to Use as Mouthwash? The short answer is, “Yes.” If used properly—and sparingly—H2O2 is safe and can improve oral and dental health and even help to fend off viral infections. That doesn't mean that this alternative to traditional, over-the-counter mouthwashes doesn't come without some risks.

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