Hydrogen peroxide is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. ... These contain an enzyme called catalase, which breaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The fizzing you see in the form of bubbles is the oxygen gas escaping.

Do peroxide bubbles mean infection?

While not necessarily a “mistake”, a common misconception is that if hydrogen peroxide bubbles, it means your wound is infected. Hydrogen peroxide will bubble whether your wound is infected or not. A chemical reaction occurs while cleaning and creates little oxygen bubbles. Don't sweat over the bubbles.

What does it mean when peroxide keeps bubbling?

When you dab hydrogen peroxide on a cut, that white, fizzling foam is actually a sign that that the solution is killing bacteria as well as healthy cells.