First aid expert explains how to clean a wound without hydrogen peroxide or alcohol: 'The cure could be worse than the disease'

Over the years, many people have believed that alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are ideal substances for disinfecting wounds, when in fact they can disrupt the healing process.

Although physical injuries to the skin, caused by accidents, cuts, burns, and even medical procedures, can be serious and sometimes affect the layers of tissue, it is not advisable to apply harsh products to the area, even if they have antiseptic properties.

In response, Miguel Assal, a first aid expert and emergency medical technician, shared a video on social media warning about the risks of cleaning wounds with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorhexidine.

“Alcohol does eliminate microorganisms, but it's for surfaces, and a surface is your skin, but it must be healthy,” the popularizer began by mentioning in his TikTok post, while showing the container's instructions.

According to the emergency agent, most containers have specific instructions detailing the liquid's effectiveness, how to use it, and the degree of disinfection it provides on uninjured areas.

“Hydrogen peroxide removes the bad, but also the good, from your wound,” Assal noted in the clip, referring to the fact that this antiseptic is only appropriate for healthy skin, as it prevents healing from occurring normally.

While one of the most recommended substances for treating bodily injuries is chlorhexidine, the first aid expert emphasizes that it's best to avoid it, as much of the liquid is composed of alcohol.

"Remember, just because it's stung and hurts doesn't mean it's going to heal; quite the opposite," the emergency agent added. He also explained that there's a more effective solution for these cases, one that's usually available in every home.

According to Assal, water with neutral soap is the perfect combination for disinfecting open wounds , since these substances do not produce any reaction and help eliminate microorganisms.

In this regard, the author recommends wetting a clean gauze pad with the solution and then wiping it over the injury to avoid complications from infection, hypersensitivity, or allergies.

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL