Hydrogen peroxide has a variety of uses, including:
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Antiseptic: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It may also be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritation.
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Disinfectant: Hydrogen peroxide can reduce the risk of infection when used to sanitize surfaces, produce, or products. Hospitals use it because its especially good at killing a parasite called cryptosporidiosis (crypto) that spreads in human poop. It may also work against the norovirus, which is both hard to kill and very contagious.
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Hair bleach: Hydrogen peroxide can help bleach or color hair. However, its important to take care because at higher concentrations it can burn the scalp and skin. Overuse of dyes can also turn hair dry and brittle.
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Cleaning: Hydrogen peroxide is a household chemical that can be safely used for a variety of cleaning purposes in your home. It’s a great alternative to bleach and won’t make your house smell like a swimming pool.
Its important to note that hydrogen peroxide should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. It should also not be used on wounds or acne as it can cause irritation and slow down the healing process. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, so it should be used with caution.