Quote:
Originally Posted by Razor
I'm curious what the medical professionals think of having peroxide in a FAK. My simple understanding is that it kills not only germs, but also healthy tissue, and thus isn't the best choice for an antimicrobial.
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I agree. The goals of wound care are to stop bleeding and promote healing. In my experience Peroxide has limited use here. It does clean up old blood and matted blood/hair nicely. It can be useful in removing blood encrusted dressings that are stuck to the skin. But that virtue is also a clue as to why it isn't recommended for wound care.
Most antiseptics have some toxicity for tissue, e.g. breaking down blood components. Damaging the tissues in a wound creates an environment for secondary infection and slows healing. Peroxide is fairly aggressive stuff. The foaming action--sure looks like it is working--can damage the early fibroblasts and epithelial cells trying to form granulation tissue. Granulation tissue formation is how most open wounds heal.
The most important step in wound care is to clean the wound. Thoroughly. Any foreign material is likely to create an infection. Clean, clean, clean. Irrigation with sterile saline is usually sufficient. Using a syringe may be helpful, but take care not to drive debris into the surrounding tissues with a jet of water. A soft brush or fine sponge can also be helpful in removing large particles of foreign material. Remember though, the goal is to remove contaminants without damaging healthy tissue.
IIRC--it's been a while since I worked in an ER--a 1:10 ratio of 10% Betadine to saline makes a safe and effective irrigation solution for wounds. (This is what is use on myself, my family, and my dogs. We are all alive to attest that it works.
) Full strength antiseptic can be used on intact skin, e.g. cleaning skin prior to surgery. I would
not pour undiluted Betadine straight into a wound because of its toxic effects. Saline is preferable to water because of the osmotic effects of water, but sometimes you use what you have at hand.
Sorry if I went overboard on this post. In short, I'd recommend a little bottle of Betadine. Leave the peroxide at home.