Why does hydrogen peroxide cause white spots on the skin?

1. What is hydrogen peroxide: chemical formula and properties Chemical formula
2. Chemical properties

Hydrogen peroxide was first obtained by the chemist Luis Tenero in 1818 and very soon began to be used in industry. Now it is widely used in households and everyday life.

1What is hydrogen peroxide: chemical formula and properties

Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest representative of peroxides. It is a transparent liquid with a peculiar metallic taste and faint odor, capable of unlimited dissolution in alcohol, water and ether.

Chemical formula

The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. This means that it contains 2 hydrogen molecules and 2 oxygen molecules.

Chemical properties

The compound may decompose under the influence of certain factors:
• Heating;
• Sunlight;
• Interaction with oxidizing or reducing agents, alkali.

When interacting with certain metals, such as Mn or Fe, an active chemical reaction occurs

The decomposition of a substance occurs faster in an alkaline environment, while an acidic environment, on the contrary, slows down the process. This is why phosphoric acid is often added to the solution. Under thermal conditions, H2O2 decomposes quickly, so it is not recommended to store it in light.

Hydrogen peroxide mixes well with C2H5OH (alcohol) and H2O (water) in any proportions.

Hydrogen peroxide and water have similar compositions, but the freezing point is much lower when they interact than when used separately. Mixtures containing 45% hydrogen peroxide can be significantly supercooled, as there are solutions whose freezing point is below -55℃.

H2O2 is a strong oxidizing agent that gives up one oxygen atom during the reaction. Effect of strong H2O2 solution on flammable substances such as wood, cotton, paper. a combustion reaction occurs.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposition reaction

An acidic environment is a more suitable environment for decomposition. Alkaline is more suitable for restoration

We can observe an example of a reduction reaction in the interaction of H2O2 with silver

In essence, its interaction with ozone (O3 + H2O2 = 2 H2O + 2 O2) and with potassium permanganate in an acidic environment proceeds similarly:

The latter reaction is used for the quantitative determination of hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is a weak oxidizing agent that, when interacting with hydroxides of certain metals, forms H2O2 salts. For example, if we consider the reaction with barium hydroxide:

Features of the use of the substance

A standard pharmacy solution of hydrogen peroxide usually contains from 3 to 3.5% and is considered relatively safe for the skin. Therefore, the low concentration of the substance allows this product to be used by people with different skin types.

Particularly dangerous is peroxide 3.5%, which, if it comes into contact with the skin in undiluted form, can cause serious tissue damage. When diluting this substance, you must follow all safety precautions and protect exposed areas of the body and eyes from possible contact with the solution.

Precautionary measures:

1. Before using peroxide, it is recommended to conduct a skin test and apply a small amount of the product to the inner crease of the elbow or the back of the hands. If your skin is too sensitive, an allergic reaction or irritation may occur. In this case, using the product is not recommended.
2. In its pure form, hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly to spots, pimples or acne marks, while avoiding direct contact with surrounding tissues, especially mucous membranes and eyes.
3. When using peroxide in masks, strong emollient products should be used as additional components: honey, egg yolk, olive oil, etc.
4. You can increase the therapeutic effect if you first cleanse your face of cosmetics and dirt and only then use a chemical solution.
5. It is allowed to use the pharmaceutical product no more than twice a week and keep it for no more than 15 minutes so as not to cause a burn.
6. After rinsing, be sure to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream to the skin.
7. The treatment course for pigmentation with peroxide lasts about one month, then you need to take a mandatory break for two weeks. At this time, masks with natural ingredients will help restore the microscopic damage to the skin that has occurred.

Compliance with all recommendations and rules for using the chemical will help avoid injury to skin structures and safely get rid of cosmetic problems.

Teeth whitening at home with peroxide: caution is necessary!

Having chosen hydrogen peroxide as a home whitening product, you need to be extremely careful when using this substance:

• Do not swallow under any circumstances; if this happens accidentally, consult a doctor immediately.
• This substance should not be used by pregnant women and children under twelve years of age;
• stop the procedure if there is a feeling of discomfort or redness of the mucous membranes is observed;
• It is not recommended to whiten teeth with peroxide for people with deep wounds or mouth ulcers, as well as for those who have recently had their tongue pierced;
• choose exclusively 3% peroxide for whitening, do not use stronger concentrates;
• Those who have intestinal or stomach diseases should also avoid peroxide;
• check the body's reaction to peroxide before starting bleaching (apply the substance to the back of the hand for a while);
• This type of whitening is not recommended for those who have plates or braces in their mouth;
• do not use large amounts of peroxide, so as not to damage the integrity of the enamel;
• do not keep the product in your mouth for more than a few seconds;
• take breaks between whitening courses;
• There is no need to whiten teeth with peroxide for people with caries, increased sensitivity of enamel and bleeding gums;
• Regardless of the chosen method of whitening, after using peroxide, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly;
• eat no earlier than half an hour after the procedure.

In order for whitening to be effective and as safe as possible, you should use only fresh peroxide, which is stored in an airtight jar. In addition, you need to understand that hydrogen peroxide will only help if your teeth have darkened as a result of any external factors. If the yellowness of teeth is hereditary or was acquired while taking antibiotics, then peroxide is powerless.

Try ASEPTA PLUS Gentle whitening paste - it effectively fights plaque and deposits, gently whitens, returning teeth to their natural color. The effect is noticeable after the first 2-3 cleanings.

Useful recipes with peroxide

1. Peroxide should be applied to dry skin using a cotton swab (or cotton swab), which is applied to the problem area. You can remove the product with a damp cloth, and then apply a moisturizer without harmful dyes and additives to the skin. You can repeat this procedure several times a day until the spot on the skin becomes lighter.
2. In order to fade freckles or pigment marks on the body, it is recommended to combine peroxide with grapefruit juice in a 1:1 ratio. After this, you need to treat the skin with the prepared solution.
3. Peroxide taken in the amount of 2 teaspoons and potato starch 1 tablespoon will help remove freckles. After mixing, the mask should be applied to the face and when it dries, rinse with plain water.
4. In addition, you can add hydrogen peroxide to a Vaseline-based cream or ointment. This product should be used immediately after preparation, as it quickly loses its strength.
5. You can also rinse your mouth and throat with peroxide by mixing one teaspoon of the solution with one glass of water. This product will have an antibacterial and disinfectant effect.

Traditional medicine offers several safe and effective ways to remove cosmetic defects using peroxide:

1. Masks;
2. Rubbing;
3. Compresses.

Peroxide can be used topically or as a cleansing face mask. It is recommended to clean the skin with peroxide at home in combination with the following ingredients: honey, cottage cheese, aloe, yeast. Homemade masks help whiten pigmentation, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and even out the complexion.

Mask with cottage cheese

In order to make a curd mask with peroxide, you need to take a tablespoon of heavy cream or cottage cheese and add 8 drops of this chemical solution to it. You can also put one egg yolk in the mask. The resulting mixture should be applied to the face in an even layer. Wash off after 15 minutes. The curd product is ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

Mask with honey

A honey mask with peroxide helps to gently cleanse the skin. To prepare the mask, you will need 2 drops of iodine, one tablespoon of honey, one spoon of aloe juice and 2 drops of peroxide. The resulting mixture can be applied only to pigmented areas or to the entire surface of the face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Yeast mask

To make a yeast mask, you need to take two tablespoons of yeast and dilute it with peroxide until you get a thick consistency. Apply the yeast mask only to blackheads on the face or directly to the area of ​​pigmentation. Yeast helps restore skin cells and eliminate acne.

Badyagi mask

You will need to take 5 g of badyagi and add a couple of drops of peroxide to it, then apply the finished mixture all over your face. You need to wash off the mask after 10 minutes. With the help of this product it is possible to dry out acne and relieve skin inflammation.

Current methods of caries treatment

In traditional dental practice, treatment with hydrogen peroxide is not used. In addition, hydrogen peroxide, despite its pronounced antiseptic effect, cannot restore damaged tooth tissue or compensate for the lack of minerals in tooth enamel. Therefore, if you have symptoms of caries, you should not self-medicate. Seek help from a good dental clinic.

Today, caries is treated in two main ways - conservative or surgical. Conservative methods are non-invasive, that is, treatment is carried out without preparing the tooth.

• Remineralization of enamel.

The tooth is coated with compounds that contain phosphorus and calcium ions, the main mineral substances of tooth enamel.

• Fluoridation.

Fluoride-containing gels, varnishes, and pastes are applied to the surface of the teeth, which ensure saturation of the enamel with fluorides. They strengthen the surface of the teeth, increase the resistance of the enamel to the action of bacteria, and protect the teeth from calcium losses.

• ICON method.

Another minimally invasive method of treating carious lesions, which is carried out without drilling or filling the tooth. The dentist alternately applies several compounds to the surface of the tooth, the last of which seals the pores of the tooth enamel. This sealing protects teeth from the penetration of bacteria into deep tissues and prevents the development of caries.

These methods do not cause pain to the patient, so they can be performed without anesthesia. But they give an effective result only if the carious process is at the initial stage and there is no carious cavity in the tooth yet.

If there is a hole in the tooth, caries is treated surgically:

• Cleans enamel from plaque and tartar.
• An anesthetic injection is given if treatment for medium or deep caries is considered.
• The cavity is drilled out and all affected and dead tissue is carefully removed.
• The cavity is disinfected with antiseptics and its walls are coated with an adhesive composition, which will allow the filling to adhere better.

• An insulating or therapeutic pad is placed at the bottom of the cavity to protect the pulp or relieve inflammation.
• The tooth is filled with a suitable material and given its natural shape.
• Grinding and polishing are carried out to align the tooth with the bite and form a smooth, even surface.

A correctly selected treatment method helps to cope with caries at any stage, stop the development of the pathological process, and return the tooth to its natural appearance.