WOUND CLEANSERS: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE vs ALCOHOL vs VASHE

Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and Vashe are all used for different purposes as well as cleansing, disinfecting, and treating wounds. The million-dollar question is which one is best used for wounds or the better question is: when is it best to use one over the other?

Frequent handwashing has reduced the spread of microorganisms nowadays but we still rely on antiseptics to kill germs wherein hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are the most common. These two are cost-effective means to cleanse wounds and reduce infection rate however, routine use of these products can also get rid of dressings and natural tissues essential for healing.

To better understand how each one differs from the other, we will be diving deeper into these solutions to see how it is used in cleaning and their effects on wound healing.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Hydrogen peroxide is an old-school wound cleanser used by mostly our parents for first aid in cleaning our cuts or scrapes but it is now more commonly used as an antiseptic to disinfect/sterilize surfaces and machinery, remove stains, bleach fibers, help with plant growth by controlling pests and root rot or fungal infections, and to kill mildew or mold. Sounds like a very potent cleansing agent, but maybe a little too strong for something as vulnerable as an open wound.

This solution is the chemical formula of water with one more atom of oxygen resulting in a reactive chemical making it bubble and fizz as it comes into contact with certain substances. This means it is a strong oxidizing agent capable of destroying cellular walls and other components for the survival of germs. However, this reaction is not specific to germs alone which also kills normal cells within wounds including the healthy skin and immune cells slowing down blood vessel formation and therefore, is detrimental to wound healing.

RUBBING ALCOHOL

Spoiler alert: Hydrogen peroxide’s story is similar to rubbing alcohol which is another substance commonly used in sanitizing wounds. This substance is generally considered stronger than hydrogen peroxide as it contains a higher percentage of active ingredients usually at 70% compared to the latter at 3%.

This solution is commonly used for killing germs and viruses in surgical settings. It is an effective disinfectant for medical equipment such as thermometers or other shared paraphernalia used in a clinic or hospital setting. It is also used to sterilize door handles and other surfaces usually touched by other people. In most cleaning kits, alcohol is included in cleaning phones, keyboards, mouse, and other tech things handled frequently. 90% alcohol which evaporates quicker is recommended in wiping down to clean tech. A lower concentration can boost deodorant by killing bacteria causing body odor without drying out skin. It is also effective in sanitizing shoes killing bacteria and odor with a spray mist.

Rubbing alcohol is an effective germ-killer for bacteria such as E. coli and staph which kills them within 10 seconds while hydrogen peroxide needs at least 5 minutes to do the same. It is also effective in killing the COVID-19 virus on surfaces such as countertops. Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide have been studied to work against fungi, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) but found that hydrogen peroxide works better for Clostridium difficile (C. diff) making it an ideal disinfectant in the hospital setting. They both kill bacteria but are also extremely harsh on the skin killing off wound cells and tissue intended for healing.

Rubbing alcohol is more commonly used in disinfecting and cleaning things but the drawback is that it is harsh on the skin. It is not recommended to be used on open skin or wounds including newly shaved skin as it will sting and damage healthy tissue.

VASHE

Vashe is a pure hypochlorous acid solution which is a vital molecule produced by the human body’s immune system when fighting harmful bacteria and infection. It can be used on acute and chronic wounds including dermal lesions, pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, post-surgical wounds, trauma wounds, burns, abrasions, donor sites, frostbite injuries, malignant or fungating wounds, and more.

It has many studies backing no clinical contraindications for use. It has been meticulously produced to ensure pH with the same pH level as healthy healing skin. As mentioned before, it is pure hypochlorous acid naturally produced inside a phagosome that neutralizes invading pathogens whenever foreign bodies/microorganisms enter our system. Numerous cleansing solutions contain toxic ingredients with a high alkaline pH allowing pathogens to thrive and impede the healing process.

Wound care providers prefer using Vashe to help with the debridement of nonviable tissue, to remove odor, to treat wound infection, and to prevent wound infection. The formulation of Vashe is reassuring to clinicians that healthy cells are kept intact while still effectively cleansing the wound.

Furthermore, studies show that Vashe helped significantly with treating chronic wounds, while also minimizing pain and odor. Vashe is also used in several different ways not exclusive to wounds but it will still be best to ask your doctor.

HOW TO CLEANSE WOUNDS:

Experts and studies suggest that the best way to clean a minor wound is to wash it with cool running water and mild soap. It is best to rinse for at least 5 minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria then gently clean the edges of the wound with a mild soap. On the other hand, large, deep, and profusely bleeding wounds should be treated by a professional.

For more information and guidance on wound care, consult your doctor or a wound care provider.

Author

Jenna Wishnew Dr Wishnew is a Board Certified General Surgeon practicing in the North Texas area She specializes in general surgery, gastroparesis, wound care, vein concerns and robotic surgery.