For what kind of wounds is hydrogen peroxide contraindicated?

Hydrogen peroxide is contraindicated for deep or puncture wounds primarily because it can damage healthy tissue, potentially hindering the healing process and increasing the risk of infection. Its bubbling action may displace debris but can also harm cells essential for healing, such as fibroblasts. In deeper wounds, where tissue integrity is more compromised, using hydrogen peroxide can lead to excessive tissue damage, which can prolong healing times and complicate the recovery process.

In contrast, other types of wounds like shallow cuts, scrapes, burns, and blisters are generally more superficial, where the use of hydrogen peroxide might be acceptable, though there are still opinions against its use in any skin wound due to its damaging effects on tissues. Nevertheless, for deep or puncture wounds, the potential harm from hydrogen peroxide outweighs any disinfection benefits, making it essential to seek alternative cleaning methods and treatments that promote healing without the risk of tissue damage.