CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - No credible science supports using hydrogen peroxide to treat cuts, a class action lawsuit against Walgreens says.
Plaintiff Jim Novotney filed suit June 30 in Chicago federal court against Walgreen Co. over its brand of 3% hydrogen peroxide, which comes in a bottle that says it can be used to treat minor cuts and abrasions and as a gargle.
"While hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, the Mayo Clinic and numerous medical studies advise that it does not help treat minor cuts and abrasions and causes more harm than good," the lawsuit says.
It details how the body heals a cut then states, "Though hydrogen peroxide may kill some potentially harmful bacteria, it destroys a greater amount of positive bacteria and healthy cells that promote healing."
Other studies claim hydrogen peroxide can cause severe toxicity, the suit says. Spencer Sheehan is the lawyer representing Novotney.