Which have you found that disinfects better, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide?

AprilSun

AprilSun

Senior Member
I have a cut that needs to be kept clean so it won't get infected. I'm undecided which to use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Have you found one works better than the other? If so, which one? I know I can do a search on-line and see which is recommended but I like to hear it from people that has actually used it and found one to be better than the other.
 

All I know about using peroxide is, dilute it. Don't pour it straight on an open wound. There are different strengths; read the label.

I couldn't take alcohol; burns too much!

They use iodine based surgical soaps in hospitals to scrub and disinfect the surgery site.

There are also anti-microbial soaps on the market.

I never know whether to cover the wound or not. Years ago we did, but uncovered before bed.
I hear today, not so much.
 
Best thing for a wound is Neosporin. It handles several strains of bacteria & since it's an ointment, it doesn't evaporate like liquid. Peroxide or soap & water are OK to clean the wound, but Neosporin proves long-lasting protection. I'll apply it to those cracks in my feet, then cover with a bandaid. It heals very quickly. In fact, it's what surgeons use after surgery to prevent infection.
 

Mild soap and water are the best for cleaning a wound. Then I'll use Neosporin on it. Using alcohol or peroxide can damage skin tissue. Also, if you haven't had a tetanus shot within the past 10 years, it would be a good idea to get a booster shot.
 
I think this is a matter best referred to a professional for an answer, your Dr or a pharmacist, not a forum or dr google. I would never dump something into a serious cut without professional advice. for a mild everyday antiseptic I use witch hazel.
 
What do nurses wipe you with before giving you an injection? As to whether or not to cover a wound if they put a bandaid over a tiny needle hole from a shot that tells me it is best to cover a wound. The advantage of peroxide over alcohol is the bubbling action of peroxide helps move dirt & debris from the wound. Neither are a concern for your skin unless you over do it. Remember mathiolate and mercurochrome? Both taken off the shelf because of concerns for autism in children.
 
I use whichever bottle I grab first out of the medicine cabinet. It's usually the alcohol.
If it's too strong I dilute it with a little water. Maybe use the HP later after I settle down.
 
win231 said:
Best thing for a wound is Neosporin. It handles several strains of bacteria & since it's an ointment, it doesn't evaporate like liquid. Peroxide or soap & water are OK to clean the wound, but Neosporin proves long-lasting protection. I'll apply it to those cracks in my feet, then cover with a bandaid. It heals very quickly. In fact, it's what surgeons use after surgery to prevent infection.
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Gemma said:
Mild soap and water are the best for cleaning a wound. Then I'll use Neosporin on it. Using alcohol or peroxide can damage skin tissue. Also, if you haven't had a tetanus shot within the past 10 years, it would be a good idea to get a booster shot.
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Thank you to both of you for reminding me about Neosporin. I had forgotten about it even though I still have it here and it is still good! I've used it for years and had forgotten about it. I must have been having a "senior moment". As for the tetanus shot, I am good there also. Thank you everyone for your replies!!!
 
I have used both and haven't seen a difference as they both work. Make sure to have peroxide that is less than 6 mos. old or it's ineffective.
 
So did I when I was a child. I think Triple Antibiotic Ointment is more effective and easier to apply than the others and it's colorless. You also get mire for your money.
 

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