Which specific cells vital for wound repair are destroyed by the indiscriminate action of topical hydrogen peroxide?
Answer
Fibroblasts
The primary drawback of using hydrogen peroxide on an open wound stems from its complete lack of cellular discrimination; it reacts with any organic matter containing the catalase enzyme, including healthy human cells. Fibroblasts are critical cellular components in the healing cascade, specifically tasked with the construction phase of tissue repair. These cells are responsible for synthesizing and laying down collagen, the structural protein matrix necessary for closing the wound site and forming durable new tissue. When topical hydrogen peroxide destroys these fibroblasts, it actively interferes with and slows down the body's natural trajectory toward complete wound closure.
Related Questions
What enzyme is responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas upon contact?Which specific cells vital for wound repair are destroyed by the indiscriminate action of topical hydrogen peroxide?What essential role do fibroblasts play in the process of closing an open wound?What is the preferred cleaning agent recommended for irrigating a minor wound to flush out debris?Why are containers for hydrogen peroxide typically colored amber or brown?What severe internal complication can result from the rapid oxygen release caused by ingesting 3% hydrogen peroxide?What is the consequence of using hydrogen peroxide on an open wound regarding the healing timeline?What common household cleaning task is hydrogen peroxide suitable for, given its role as an oxidizer?What gentle cleaning method is usually sufficient for clearing surface dirt and debris from minor injuries?Why does the visible effervescence of hydrogen peroxide often mislead users regarding its effectiveness on a wound?