LHP (Hydrogen Peroxide Cream)

What Is LHP and What Is It Used For?

LHP is an antiseptic cream containing 1% hydrogen peroxide (10 mg per gram of cream). It is applied topically to minor, superficial wounds to keep them clean and free from bacteria, thereby helping to prevent wound infections. LHP is available over the counter and does not require a prescription.

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a wound antiseptic for well over a century. When applied to skin or wound tissue, it releases nascent oxygen through a chemical reaction catalysed by the enzyme catalase, which is present in blood and tissue cells. This reaction produces the characteristic bubbling or fizzing that many people associate with hydrogen peroxide use. The released oxygen creates an environment that is hostile to many common wound pathogens, including both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

LHP cream is specifically formulated for the treatment of minor, superficial wounds. These include common everyday injuries such as scrapes and grazes, abrasions from falls or contact with rough surfaces, torn or damaged cuticles around the nails, and small skin cracks that can develop on the hands, fingers, or heels, particularly during cold, dry weather. The cream is also indicated for managing cold sores (herpes labialis) on the lips and around the mouth, where its antiseptic action helps prevent secondary bacterial infection of the viral lesion.

Another important use of LHP is in the treatment of insect bites and stings. When an insect bite breaks the skin, it creates a potential entry point for bacteria. Scratching the bite further increases this risk. By applying LHP cream to the affected area, you help maintain a clean environment around the bite and reduce the likelihood of bacterial infection. This is particularly relevant in warm climates or during summer months when insect bites are more common.

At the concentration used in LHP (1%), hydrogen peroxide provides effective antibacterial action while being gentle enough for routine use on intact and mildly broken skin. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3% or more) are associated with greater tissue irritation and can impair wound healing by damaging healthy cells along with bacteria. The 1% concentration in LHP represents a balance between antimicrobial efficacy and tissue tolerance, as supported by wound care guidelines from the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

What Should You Know Before Using LHP?

Before using LHP cream, ensure you are not allergic to hydrogen peroxide or any other ingredient in the formulation. The cream is for external use only and should not come into contact with the eyes. It is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though it should not be applied to the nipples immediately before nursing.

Contraindications

You should not use LHP if the following applies to you:

• Allergy to hydrogen peroxide or any other ingredient in the cream – although true allergy to hydrogen peroxide is extremely rare, it is important to check the full list of ingredients if you have known sensitivities (see the ingredients section below)
• Deep or puncture wounds – LHP is intended for superficial wounds only. Deep wounds, puncture injuries, serious burns, or surgical wounds require professional medical evaluation and treatment. In such cases, the effervescent action of hydrogen peroxide in a confined wound space could theoretically cause air embolism, although this is primarily a concern with higher concentrations applied under pressure

While there are no absolute medical contraindications specific to the 1% concentration in LHP beyond allergy, it is important to use the product only for its intended purpose. If you have a wound that is large, deep, heavily contaminated, or showing signs of infection (such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever), you should seek medical attention rather than relying solely on an over-the-counter antiseptic cream.

Warnings and Precautions

Keep the following precautions in mind when using LHP:

• Avoid contact with the eyes – if LHP accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists
• External use only – LHP is designed for application to the skin surface and must not be swallowed or applied to mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose, or genitals
• Do not exceed 2 weeks of treatment – if your wound has not begun to show signs of healing within 2 weeks of regular use, discontinue treatment and consult a healthcare professional. Prolonged or repeated application of hydrogen peroxide may delay wound healing by damaging the new tissue that forms during the healing process
• Contains propylene glycol – this excipient may cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or eczema. If you notice increased redness, itching, or irritation beyond the normal brief stinging, discontinue use

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

LHP cream can be used during pregnancy. The hydrogen peroxide in LHP acts locally at the wound site and is rapidly broken down into water and oxygen by tissue enzymes. Systemic absorption is negligible, meaning that no clinically relevant amount reaches the bloodstream or crosses the placenta. There are no known risks to the developing baby from topical use of 1% hydrogen peroxide.

LHP cream can also be used during breastfeeding. However, if you need to apply the cream to the breast area, you should avoid applying it directly to the nipples immediately before a feeding session. This is a precautionary measure to prevent the infant from ingesting the cream. If you need to treat a wound on or near the nipple, apply the cream after feeding and wash the area thoroughly before the next nursing session.

Driving and Operating Machinery

LHP has no effect whatsoever on the ability to drive or operate machinery. As a topical preparation with negligible systemic absorption, it does not affect the central nervous system, coordination, reaction time, or alertness. You can safely drive and perform all normal activities while using this product.

Use in Children

LHP can be used in children for the same indications as in adults. However, as with all medications, the cream should be kept out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If a child accidentally swallows a significant amount of the cream, contact your local poison control centre or seek emergency medical advice immediately. The low concentration of hydrogen peroxide in LHP (1%) means that accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause serious harm, but medical evaluation is still recommended as a precaution.

How Does LHP Interact with Other Medications?

LHP has very few drug interactions due to its topical application and local mechanism of action. However, you should avoid using it simultaneously with iodine-based products or potassium permanganate, which chemically decompose hydrogen peroxide and render LHP ineffective.

Because LHP is applied topically and has negligible systemic absorption, the risk of interactions with oral or injectable medications is extremely low. The most important interactions are with other topical products that may be applied to the same wound area. The hydrogen peroxide in LHP is a reactive oxidising agent that can be broken down or neutralised by certain chemical compounds.

Known Interactions

Other Topical Products

The effects of using LHP simultaneously with other topical wound care products – such as antibiotic ointments, hydrocolloid dressings, or silver-based wound products – have not been formally studied. In general, it is advisable to avoid layering multiple topical products on the same wound at the same time unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. If you are using another topical medication on the same wound, separate the applications by at least 30 minutes, or ask your pharmacist for guidance.

It is also worth noting that hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabrics and hair. While this is not a drug interaction in the pharmacological sense, it is a practical consideration. Be mindful when applying LHP cream near coloured clothing, towels, or areas with hair, as contact may cause discolouration.

What Is the Correct Dosage of LHP?

Apply a thin layer of LHP cream to the affected wound area 1 to 2 times daily. The cream may be covered with a sterile dressing if needed and can be washed off with water. Treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

Always use LHP exactly as described in the patient information leaflet unless a healthcare professional has advised you otherwise. The dosing instructions are the same for adults, elderly patients, and children, as the product acts locally and does not enter the systemic circulation in any meaningful amount.

Adults and Elderly

Begin by gently cleaning the wound with clean water to remove any visible dirt or debris. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. Then apply a thin, even layer of LHP cream directly to the wound surface and the surrounding skin. There is no need to rub the cream in vigorously; a gentle application is sufficient. If the wound is in a location where it is likely to be rubbed by clothing or exposed to further contamination, you may cover it with a sterile adhesive plaster or gauze pad secured with medical tape.

Children

The dosage for children is the same as for adults. However, an adult should always supervise or perform the application in young children. This is particularly important to ensure that the child does not accidentally get the cream into their eyes or mouth. For very young children, it is helpful to distract them during application to minimise the chance of them touching or rubbing the treated area.

Missed Dose

If you forget to apply LHP at the scheduled time, simply apply it as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double amount to compensate for the missed application. Then continue with your regular dosing schedule. Missing a single application is unlikely to have any significant impact on the wound-healing process.

Overdose

In the context of topical application, using more cream than recommended is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it may increase the likelihood of local skin irritation or stinging. If the cream is accidentally swallowed – for example, by a child – contact your local poison control centre or emergency services immediately for an assessment of risk and appropriate advice.

At the 1% concentration in LHP, accidental ingestion of a small amount of cream is unlikely to cause severe poisoning. However, hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach, and may trigger vomiting. In very rare cases, ingestion of significant quantities of hydrogen peroxide solutions can cause gas embolism. Therefore, any accidental ingestion should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What Are the Side Effects of LHP?

LHP cream is generally very well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect is a brief stinging or burning sensation at the application site, which resolves quickly on its own. Serious side effects are extremely rare with topical use at this low concentration.

Like all medicines, LHP can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The side effect profile of LHP is favourable compared to many other wound care products, largely because the 1% hydrogen peroxide concentration is very low and acts locally without significant systemic absorption. The vast majority of people who use LHP experience no adverse effects beyond the normal expected fizzing or bubbling sensation when the cream contacts wounded tissue.

The fizzing or effervescent sensation that occurs when LHP is applied to a wound is not a side effect but a normal part of the mechanism of action. It occurs because the enzyme catalase in your blood and tissue cells breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. This bubbling stops within a few minutes and is completely harmless.

The brief stinging sensation is the most frequently reported experience when using LHP. This typically occurs within seconds of applying the cream to an open wound and usually subsides within 1–2 minutes. The stinging is caused by the oxidising action of hydrogen peroxide on exposed nerve endings in the wound. It is a normal reaction and does not indicate an allergy or adverse effect. The sensation is generally mild and well tolerated by most patients, including children.

If you notice that the stinging is severe, persistent (lasting more than 10–15 minutes), or is accompanied by significant swelling, spreading redness, or a rash, these may be signs of an allergic reaction or irritation. In this case, wash the cream off immediately with plenty of water and discontinue use. Consult a pharmacist or doctor before using the product again.

Propylene glycol, one of the inactive ingredients in LHP, is known to cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of contact dermatitis. If you experience irritation that seems disproportionate to the expected mild stinging, propylene glycol sensitivity may be a contributing factor. Your pharmacist can advise you on alternative antiseptic products that do not contain this ingredient.

How Should You Store LHP?

Store LHP cream at a temperature below 25°C (77°F). Keep the tube tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Proper storage of LHP is important to ensure that the product remains effective throughout its shelf life. Hydrogen peroxide is inherently unstable and slowly decomposes over time, a process that is accelerated by heat, light, and contamination. By following the recommended storage conditions, you help maintain the potency and safety of the cream.

• Temperature: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Avoid storing the tube in direct sunlight, in a car during hot weather, or near radiators or other heat sources
• Container: Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. This prevents contamination and slows the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide through exposure to air
• Children: Store the cream out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion
• Expiry date: Do not use LHP after the expiry date printed on the tube. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month. After this date, the hydrogen peroxide content may have decreased below effective levels

When disposing of expired or unused LHP cream, do not throw it in household rubbish or flush it down the drain. Return unused medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal. This helps protect the environment from unnecessary chemical contamination. Many pharmacies offer free medicine disposal services as part of their community role.

What Does LHP Contain?

LHP contains hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient at a concentration of 1% (10 mg per gram of cream). The cream base contains several inactive ingredients (excipients) that provide the cream's texture, stability, and consistency.

Active Ingredient

The active substance in LHP is hydrogen peroxide. Each gram of cream contains 10 mg of hydrogen peroxide, corresponding to a 1% w/w (weight-for-weight) concentration. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a simple chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. In its pure form, it is a colourless liquid. In LHP, it is formulated into a white cream base for convenient topical application.

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

The other ingredients in LHP are:

• Glyceryl laurate and glyceryl myristate – emollients and emulsifying agents that give the cream its smooth, spreadable texture
• Anhydrous citric acid – a pH adjuster that helps maintain the cream at an acidic pH suitable for hydrogen peroxide stability and skin compatibility
• Propylene glycol – a humectant and solvent that helps the cream retain moisture (may cause skin irritation in some individuals)
• Macrogol stearate – an emulsifier that helps blend the oil and water phases of the cream
• Disodium edetate (dihydrate) – a chelating agent that binds metal ions, preventing them from catalysing the premature decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
• Sodium hydroxide – used to adjust the pH of the formulation
• Sodium oxalate and sodium pyrophosphate – stabilisers that help maintain hydrogen peroxide stability during storage
• Sodium stannate – an additional stabiliser for the hydrogen peroxide
• Salicylic acid – a preservative and mild keratolytic agent
• Sulfuric acid – used in trace amounts for pH adjustment during manufacturing
• Purified water – the solvent that forms the base of the cream

Appearance and Packaging

LHP is a white cream packaged in a plastic tube containing 10 g of product. The tube is designed for easy, hygienic dispensing with a screw cap. The compact size makes it convenient for inclusion in a home first-aid kit or for carrying while travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About LHP

References and Sources

Editorial Team