WHAT IS HYPOCHLOROUS ACID?

Author: Dr. Leigh Plowman (Optometrist)

What Is Hypochlorous Acid and How Do You Use It?

Did you know that Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is naturally found in your body?

HOCl is made by white blood cells in all mammals for healing and protection and is a key part of your immune system. It is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

In 1834, Antoine Jérôme Ballard manufactured hypochlorous acid for the first time when he took chlorine gas and added distilled water with mercury oxide. Since then, hypochlorous acid has been used for decades, with a history of disinfecting drinking water and surfaces and cleansing wounds on the battlefield.

In the past few years, hypochlorous acid has become popular in the pharmaceutical industry. If you're intrigued and want to know more about hypochlorous acid and its uses, read on.

What are popular uses of Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid is the perfect germ-fighting agent. It's very effective against the most common types of bacteria found on our skin (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The magic of HOCl is that it kills more types of bacteria faster than either isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide but is completely nontoxic and non-sensitizing. When applied, it feels just like water. Because of this very unusual combination of efficacy and safety, it can be used for many different pharmaceutical purposes.

Eye Care
Because so many eye infections start with an irritation of the eyelids, eye doctors often recommend the use of HOCl for good lid and lash hygiene. Did you know that your eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body? Because this skin is so delicate and the ocular surface is so sensitive, only the safest cleansers can be used. A pure form of pharmaceutical grade HOCl is perfect for keeping your lids and lashes clean and free from bacterial buildup.

For people with blepharitis, irritated or watery eyes are very common. This happens when there is too much bacterial buildup on the eyelids. The bacteria produce toxins that chop up the protective layer of oils on the front of the eye. This forms soap bubbles that irritate the eye. The eye may be more exposed to evaporation and is what causes the dry eye sensation.

Using a product with hypochlorous acid can reduce the number of harmful bacteria present without impacting the bacterial species' biodiversity on the surrounding skin. In turn, it helps reduce inflammation while leaving beneficial bacteria unharmed when the skin around your eyes is irritated or infected.

Skin Care or Dermatology
The skin works as your immune system's front line of defense to protect you from germs, allergens, and traumas. Due to the antibacterial properties, dermatologists are starting to incorporate hypochlorous acid to support the skin. They use it to heal wounds quicker, fight acne-causing bacteria, and reduce the inflammation that comes with psoriasis and eczema.

Since it doesn't irritate or dry out your skin, it's great for anyone sensitive to more harsh products. You may find it in some serums, creams, and sprays.

Wound Care
HOCl has been used for decades to neutralize chemical burns and clean wounds. But, it's also a strong healing agent for chronic wounds that have become antibiotic resistant. Chronic wounds are responsible for rising healthcare costs and increased morbidity because they're the perfect place for infections to take hold and spread.

Hypochlorous acid is an ideal wound care agent because it tends to zero in and target the bacteria that cause chronic wounds without impacting the healthy tissue. Once the infection eases, the injured tissue can begin to heal from the inside out. It is not an antibiotic and does not give rise to antibiotic resistance.

Veterinary Care
This acid is popular for use in veterinary medicine for large and small animals when it comes to wound care due to its virus and bacteria-killing properties.

One common dermatological issue for animals is pruritus or chronic itching. Parasites, allergies, and infections can cause pruritus. The animal tends to lick or scratch at the area and cause it to become inflamed. The wounds become vulnerable to bacterial infections that can be painful for the animal. Hypochlorous acid works to reduce pain, soothe the skin, and reduce the potential for infection.

Hypochlorous Acid Is a Safe, Natural Choice

If you're looking for a potent and effective cleaning agent that is also popular for various medicinal uses, hypochlorous acid is something to consider.

Avenova Lid & Lash Solution is made for everyday use. It is a pure, gentle hypochlorous acid spray that is soothing for the eyes. Avenova is the only FDA cleared, patented hypochlorous acid spray made for the eyes.

Avenova can help to keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable all day.