Is it possible to be allergic to hydrogen peroxide

More serious risks are associated with higher concentrations and long-term use. If you get hydrogen peroxide on your skin, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water. You may need to rinse for up to 20 minutes if it gets in your eyes. For bleaching skin, an older study reported that you need a concentration of between 20 and 30 percent. The risks of burns and scars are far greater than any potential skin lightening effects. A hydrogen peroxide-based cream called Crystacide was just as potent as benzoyl peroxide with fewer cases of reported sensitivity.

However, Crystacide only contains a 1 percent concentration and is part of a combination product. Ask your dermatologist before purchasing OTC treatments. Some prescription formulas are also available. Instead of taking a risk with hydrogen peroxide, there are other ingredients that have been researched and have been shown to be safe and effective. Wound treatment depends on whether you have a burn, scrape, or an open cut.

Your approach to treatment should aim to stop any bleeding while protecting your skin so it can heal without becoming damaged or infected. Try the following steps:. Blackheads and whiteheads are two types of noninflammatory acne.

These may be treated with salicylic acid to get rid of extra dead skin cells that are trapped in your pores. Inflammatory lesions, such as nodules, papules and cysts, may need benzoyl peroxide. Your dermatologist may recommend oral medications for more severe cases.

If you wish to lighten your skin from scars and other causes of hyperpigmentation, consider the following options:. While hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used as a skin disinfectant, you should never use this product without consulting your doctor first.

Talk with your dermatologist about other OTC products and professional procedures you might be able to use for acne, hyperpigmentation, and other skin care issues. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

Do not use this medicine over large areas of your body. Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Clean the affected area, and then apply a small amount of medicine.

If you are going to use a bandage, let the treated area dry before you cover it. Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Also treats raised seborrheic keratoses waxy and scaly, raised areas of skin. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing Eye irritation, pain, redness, or swelling, blindness Skin burning, itching, pain, rash, redness, stinging, or swelling.

Sinus tachycardia, lethargy, confusion, coma, convulsions, stridor, sub-epiglottic narrowing, apnoea, cyanosis and cardiorespiratory arrest may ensue within minutes of ingestion. Oxygen gas embolism may produce multiple cerebral infarctions. Although most inhalational exposures cause little more than coughing and transient dyspnoea, inhalation of highly concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause severe irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes, with coughing and dyspnoea.

Shock, coma and convulsions may ensue and pulmonary oedema may occur up to hours post exposure. Severe toxicity has resulted from the use of hydrogen peroxide solutions to irrigate wounds within closed body cavities or under pressure as oxygen gas embolism has resulted.

Inflammation, blistering and severe skin damage may follow dermal contact. Gut decontamination is not indicated following ingestion, due to the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by catalase to oxygen and water. If gastric distension is painful, a gastric tube should be passed to release gas. Early aggressive airway management is critical in patients who have ingested concentrated hydrogen peroxide, as respiratory failure and arrest appear to be the proximate cause of death.

Endoscopy should be considered if there is persistent vomiting, haematemesis, significant oral burns, severe abdominal pain, dysphagia or stridor.