Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful addition to your first aid kit or medicine cabinet, and it can be used for a variety of health purposes from wound care to oral cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide sold for household use typically comes as a diluted solution containing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. As an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat minor scrapes and wounds.

First aid antiseptic

In order to properly use hydrogen peroxide, dribble the liquid onto the injury or applied using a cotton ball, cotton swab, or piece of gauze. You can also use premoistened hydrogen peroxide wipes. Because hydrogen peroxide destroys bacteria and keeps the wound sterile, it helps prevent the cut or scrape from becoming infected. Some people also use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse to kill bacteria on the teeth, gums, and tongue. Walgreens.com carries a wide range of sizes, from 16-ounce to 32-ounce bottles of this powerful antiseptic, so you can choose the size that works best for your family.

Medicine cabinet supplies

In addition to hydrogen peroxide, many people also store other first aid items at home in their medicine cabinets. Bandages, alcohol, painkillers, antibacterial cream, and gauze can help round out your first aid kit or medicine cabinet wound care collection. Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet that includes hydrogen peroxide and other first aid products ensures that you will be prepared for any minor medical emergency. For contact lens wearers, cleaning solutions made with hydrogen peroxide are also available to keep your lenses sterile while you are not wearing them.