Travelers Often Reach For This Common First Aid Treatment-but Doctors Say It Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good

"When it comes to first aid on the road, many travelers have been there: a small nick or cut in a new place, followed by a quick reach for hydrogen peroxide in hopes of preventing infection. The fizzing bubbles can feel reassuring, as if germs are being wiped out on contact. But medical guidance has shifted in recent years-and according to research from personal injury claims support site Claims.co.uk, that long-held belief may actually be doing more harm than good."

"After cleaning, Peatross suggests gently patting the area dry and covering it with a sterile dressing to protect it from new contaminants while keeping the wound slightly moist. For those who want to go a step further, a mild saline solution can be used-but simplicity is key. "There's no need to overcomplicate things," she says. "Your immune system, clotting factors, and skin cells are already working hard to repair it. All you need to do is provide the right environment for them to thrive.""

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine can damage cells involved in tissue repair and are unnecessary for most small cuts or scrapes. Clean minor wounds with clean, running water or bottled drinking water when traveling to wash away dirt, bacteria, and debris without stripping natural healing factors. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry and cover with a sterile dressing while keeping the wound slightly moist; a mild saline solution is optional. Deep cuts, heavy bleeding, wounds from dirty or rusty objects, or signs of infection require evaluation by a medical professional.

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