Should You Really Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Kids’ Cuts?

The bubbles mean it’s working…right?

Hydrogen peroxide does kill germs — but it also kills healthy skin cells that are trying to heal the wound. That bubbling action you see? It’s a chemical reaction, not a sign of healing. In fact, hydrogen peroxide (and iodine) can slow healing, increase scarring and irritate the skin, which is why doctors no longer recommend using it directly on cuts or scrapes. 

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Bottom line: Skip the peroxide. Gentle cleaning works better — and hurts less.

Taking Care of Everyday Cuts and Scrapes

Kids are experts at collecting scrapes, and the good news is that most minor cuts can be safely treated at home.

How to Treat a Minor Cut at Home

• Stop the Bleeding: Apply steady pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Don’t remove the gauze or cloth to check whether it's still bleeding until you have kept the pressure on it for several minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure, seek medical attention.
• Rinse the Wound: Once bleeding stops, rinse the cut thoroughly with cool running water. This flushes out dirt and bacteria. If the area starts bleeding again, apply pressure just like before.
• Clean the Skin Around It: Use mild soap and a soft washcloth to clean around the wound. Try to keep soap out of the cut.
• Remove Any Debris: If dirt or gravel is still inside the cut, gently remove it using tweezers cleansed
  with rubbing alcohol before using.
• Protect the Wound: Use a butterfly bandage for deeper cuts after bleeding slows. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment (unless using a butterfly bandage). Cover the area with a bandage if it may get dirty or rubbed by clothing. Change bandages daily — or sooner if they get wet or dirty.

Cuts happen, big ones can be scary. Go beyond basic first aid. Join our free Stop the Bleed class and learn how to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.