<p>Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent with antibacterial and antiviral activity. It is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodorant. It also has a mild haemostatic action. It exerts its antiseptic action partly by its ready release of oxygen when applied to tissues, but this effect is reduced in the presence of organic matter. The mechanical effect of effervescence may be more useful for wound cleansing than the antimicrobial action.</p>