Is it acceptable to clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide and then directly disinfect it with povidone-iodine?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hydrogen peroxide solution usually refers to hydrogen peroxide. Generally, it is not recommended to directly disinfect a wound with povidone-iodine after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution can clean wounds, promote wound healing, and has certain bactericidal and disinfecting effects. Povidone-iodine also has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and causes relatively little irritation to the skin. However, using these two substances together may lead to a chemical reaction.

Hydrogen peroxide solution is commonly referred to as hydrogen peroxide. Generally, it is not recommended to directly apply iodophor for disinfection immediately after cleaning a wound with hydrogen peroxide solution. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Hydrogen peroxide solution can clean wounds, promote wound healing, and has certain antibacterial and disinfecting effects. Iodophor also has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and causes relatively little irritation to the skin. However, using both together may lead to a chemical reaction that could produce harmful substances, potentially impairing wound healing and reducing disinfection effectiveness. This reaction may be particularly noticeable in individuals with sensitive skin. Therefore, after cleaning a wound with hydrogen peroxide solution as directed by a healthcare provider, it is advisable to first rinse the wound thoroughly with normal saline or clean water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide, before applying iodophor for disinfection.

In daily life, appropriate antiseptics should be selected based on the nature of the wound and individual health conditions, and treatment and wound care should be performed under medical guidance.