In the article, we consider the shelf life of hydrogen peroxide.
Among the most affordable drugs, hydrogen peroxide stands out, which is a universal medicine for the treatment of various ailments and is characterized by multifunctionality, simplicity and low price.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
The chemical composition of peroxide contains 2 atoms of oxygen and hydrogen. On sale, it is supplied in the form of an aqueous solution with active element concentrations of 3 or 5%. It looks like a colorless, odorless liquid. Dioxide differs in an unstable formula, decomposes in the light with the release of oxygen. Other concentrated forms are hydroperit in the form of tablets and perhydrol - it is used as a clarifier for hair or for disinfection of rooms.
Indications for the use of hydrogen peroxide will be described below.
Healing properties
The positive properties of hydrogen peroxide for people are very wide, because this medication is universal and is used for many purposes. The activity level of up to 0.3% acts bacteriostatically, and up to 3% - as a bactericidal substance. The same concentration has a deodorizing effect, and if you act on the skin with a pure concentrate, you can get irritation, burns and depigmentation.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of this tool is the interaction of human tissues with the release of molecular oxygen, the tissues contain the enzyme catalase, which breaks down the composition, and oxygen is involved in the oxidation process, accompanied by its pronounced foaming. Such a foam mechanically cleanses a damaged surface, removes pus, germs, dead cells, stops bleeding.
It is important to observe the shelf life of hydrogen peroxide.
Scope and indications
Traditionally, the drug is used for:
- gynecological diseases;
- washing the wounds;
- dental rinses;
- sore throat;
- various bleeding.
In informal traditional medicine, peroxide is used for:
- cancer treatment;
- body cleansing;
- teeth whitening;
- treatment of acne, rashes, papillomas.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of hydrogen peroxide primarily depends on proper storage.
Depending on the packaging, this medication may have different expiration dates. That is why the containers in which the substance is sold - dark glass and opaque plastic bottles, are considered the safest.
This greatly affects the shelf life of hydrogen peroxide.
It must be borne in mind that the higher the concentration of peroxide, the more carefully you need to relate to the requirements for its storage. Peroxide tends to decompose due to the action of certain impurities on it. As a result, water and gaseous oxygen are formed.
Cold storage
Small concentrations of peroxide should be stored in dark places at a temperature of no more than 23 degrees. The most suitable place is a refrigerator. The shelf life of hydrogen peroxide after opening the bottle is 30 days.
It is strictly forbidden to contaminate the product by lowering various objects into the container. Such contact will lead to decomposition and spoilage of the drug. High concentrations can be stored for up to 3 years.
Negative factors
The most important factors that contribute to the acceleration of decomposition include:
- increased pH
- heat;
- direct action of UV rays;
- the presence in the solution of metal salts and other unnatural impurities.
How to store hydrogen peroxide, it is important to find out in advance.
The latter factor is especially important, because being a strong oxidizing agent, perhydrol can easily corrode the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the drug from contaminants.
If you store the drug in a factory container, then it will be suitable for a long time without much oxygen loss.
Below we consider the indications for the use of hydrogen peroxide and instructions.
Instructions for use
Hydrogen peroxide is a drug, and therefore you should carefully study all the information about it before use. The drug is an antiseptic, an antioxidant without a sterilization function. The rules of use depend on the goal - for various pathologies it is used in different ways.
- Douching with gynecological diseases involves the use of a 3% solution, which must be introduced into the vagina with a special syringe. You can carry out this procedure after unprotected sexual contact, as well as treat inflammation and damage to the mucous membrane with this tool. It is a complex need to douche and take drugs based on lactobacilli, this will help restore the pH of the vagina, prevents the development of colpitis. Douching should be carried out in 7-10 receptions. To do this, take 300 ml of boiled water, in which to dilute 100 ml of peroxide, and inject the solution into the vagina. What is hydrogen peroxide used for?
- Rinse the mouth. For colds, it is useful to rinse your mouth with peroxide. With gum disease or toothache, as well as with a viral infection of the pharynx, 3 teaspoons of the drug is added to 50 ml of water. Peroxide effectively eliminates plaque from the tonsils, which effectively helps with tonsillitis.
- The treatment of the common cold. Specialists can prescribe such therapy not only for colds, but also for allergic or viral rhinitis. A 3% solution, twice diluted with water, is instilled into the nose.
- Treatment of wounds with hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide differs from a solution of brilliant green or iodine in that the patient does not experience discomfort and a strong burning sensation. The advantage of using peroxide can be considered the lack of color, the inability to get dirty, as well as the ability to stop blood. For self-treatment of the wound, moisten a cotton swab in a solution of peroxide and briefly attach it to the site of damage. If the wound is large, you can rinse it with a stream of hydrogen peroxide.
- Treatment of nail fungus. To do this, trim the nail and immerse the limb in a solution of water and peroxide 1: 1 for 30 minutes. After the procedure, the nails must be dried and left in the fresh air - you can not cover them with socks or shoes. The procedure is recommended to be carried out daily until the symptoms are completely eliminated. If skin irritation occurs, treatment should be discontinued.
- Enema. The use of this medication inside is prohibited, but traditional medicine claims that an enema with peroxide quickly eliminates bowel pathologies. For therapy, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines, dissolve 4 teaspoons of peroxide in a liter of boiled water. The solution is injected inside and held there for 3 minutes so that it is absorbed in the intestine during this time. Such enemas are forbidden for diseases of the rectum, anus.
- With otitis media. Hydrogen peroxide helps with this disease. For treatment, it is necessary to dilute 15 drops of peroxide in 30 ml of water, pour ½ of the solution into the ear. After 15 minutes, gradually tilt your head and let the solution flow out. This recipe also helps with hearing loss - it softens sulfur plugs, which can interfere with normal hearing.
- Treatment of sinusitis. In the treatment of this pathology, only a 3% solution is used, otherwise you can disrupt the structure of the mucosa and further aggravate the condition. A solution of two drops of peroxide in a spoon of water is instilled into the nose. This helps not only with sinusitis, but also with a headache.
- Body cleansing. To get rid of slagging and toxins, you need to start with 2 drops in 2 tablespoons of water 3 times a day. Then the dosage is gradually increased to 10 drops. Drink a cleaning solution on an empty stomach.