Even if you haven’t heard of hypochlorous acid, you’ve already experienced the power of this disinfectant in your own body. When your white blood cells encounter invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungus spores, they naturally produce the hypochlorous molecule (HOCl) as the first line of defense. Animals use HOCl in the same way humans do – it’s a critical part of their immune system that helps keep them healthy and safe.
This microscopic super-protector exists in all mammals, from humans to horses. And thanks to modern scientific developments, we can now use a chemically synthesized version of HOCl as a topical disinfectant. So, if you are worried about how to heal cat wounds or how to heal a dog wound fast, experienced animal owners will tell you that proper wound care is an essential part of being a responsible caretaker, and quality HOCl products are a game-changing way to support your animal’s natural healing response.
By familiarizing yourself with the benefits of hypochlorous acid, you access the knowledge and high-quality products you need to provide superior care. Read on to discover how the humble hypochlorous molecule has transformed wound care as we know it and what differentiates it from harsh disinfectants like bleach.
The First of Its Kind
Scientists have been reproducing the HOCl molecule outside of the body since the early 19th century, but these early versions of HOCl came with one key problem: shelf life.1
Although HOCl solutions were lauded as a powerful, safe antimicrobial, it was challenging to make the molecule stable enough to maintain a safe pH for an extended period of time. Numerous environmental factors, including exposure to oxygen, light, and high temperatures, could all disrupt the stability of HOCl, reducing its viability as a widespread wound-care solution.
That is, until modern scientists developed a breakthrough method to chemically synthesize HOCl using electrolysis.2
By using state-of-the-art technology and an advanced manufacturing process to produce a super-oxidized HOCl solution, the Vetericyn team has developed shelf-stable hypochlorous acid products. With an average shelf life of 24 months, our synthesized HOCl is a long-lasting anti-microbial solution that’s practical for the average consumer.
This innovation has revolutionized the world of wound care, enabling Vetericyn to create a full line of animal care products for the skin, ears, and eyes. Because HOCl is a natural byproduct of the mammal immune system, even the lab-synthesized version is extremely gentle on the body without sacrificing its effectiveness as a disinfectant.
Now, animal owners have a convenient, at-home product that helps decontaminate wounds and support skin repair without causing skin irritation. Since Vetericyn brought this innovative HOCl technology to market, we’ve launched several specialized antimicrobial formulas for all creatures, from pets to livestock.
Modern HOCl is especially helpful when treating chronic wounds. Studies show that HOCl helps disintegrate the dangerous bacterial biofilm that occurs in chronic wounds.3 When animal owners have access to shelf-stable, quality HOCl wound care products, they can implement consistent, long-term treatment for tricky wounds.
No, Hypochlorous Acid Is Not Bleach Water
When you search for hypochlorous acid, you’re likely to see comparisons to another powerful disinfectant: bleach. But HOCl is in a league of its own, and there are many characteristics that distinguish it from common bleach. Where bleach is a common household cleaner that’s highly abrasive and often dangerous, HOCl disinfects safely without risking any irritation.
Producers of diluted bleach cleansers have a history of pushing this comparison to sell their own products, and in the process, risking the safety of both humans and animals. Understanding the difference between bleach and HOCl allows you to identify products that are truly safe and beneficial for animals.
History of Bleach-Based Cleansers
Although we now know that bleach isn’t ideal for human or animal use, bleach-based cleansers were commonly used to treat wounds before the dawn of antibiotics and safer antimicrobial cleansers. During World War II, soldiers used a diluted bleach mixture known as Dakin’s solution to decontaminate wounds on the battlefield. Although bleach may have helped in a pinch in these emergency environments, further research showed that Dakin’s solution wasn’t just killing bacteria—it was also killing live, healthy cells.
The Dawn of Safer Healing
Luckily, we’ve progressed far past the need for rudimentary battlefield medicine. While some bleach-based cleaners still exist on the market, hypochlorous acid is a state-of-the-art solution that eradicates antigens without compromising the health and safety of live tissue.
Because HOCl is derived from the same molecules our body naturally produces, it’s much safer than other chemical cleansers when properly formulated. It’s even FDA and EPA-approved as a food sanitizer, so you don’t have to worry about animals ingesting dangerous chemicals when they lick their wounds.1 And although safety is a top priority, HOCl-based products don’t sacrifice effectiveness.
The Perfect pH
One of the main distinguishing factors between HOCl and bleach is their pH. Bleach is always alkaline, with a pH between 11 and 13. Its high alkalinity makes bleach corrosive to both microbes and healthy cells.
On the other hand, with an average pH of 5 to 7, HOCl ranges from neutral to slightly acidic. Because the human body has an average pH of 7.4,4 neutral HOCl products exist within a convenient sweet spot for use on this skin. Both highly acidic and highly alkaline substances can cause a burning or stinging sensation when used on wounds—but the overall neutral nature of HOCl limits irritation, even on the delicate membranes of the eyes and mouth.
Correcting Misconceptions
Misconceptions about HOCl don’t only come from the producers of bleach-based cleansers. The producers of low-pH HOCl solutions rely on misleading claims to differentiate their products.
It’s important to note that once HOCl begins degrading, it becomes more acidic. HOCl products that have a pH of 5 or lower have a higher risk of becoming corrosive since both extremes of the pH scale can be damaging to healthy cells. Although HOCl solutions with a pH of 5 may initially be safe to consumers, a lower pH comes with a lower degree of safety.
Marketers of these products often portray them as the purest form of HOCl, but solutions with a pH of 6 or 7 are just as effective. pH measures the activity level of hydrogen ions within a solution, which has no relation to the purity of the substance. This means that HOCl solutions with a higher pH are just as pure, with the added benefit of a larger buffer once the product surpasses its shelf life.
Not All HOCl Is Created Equal
The power of the HOCl molecule is undeniable, but there are a number of formulations available with varying quality. While Vetericyn’s expert formulation and manufacturing processes allow for a 24-month shelf life, some HOCl products from other companies are only shelf stable for a week.
By learning some of the tell-tale signs of a quality HOCl product, you can make informed purchases and recommendations.
- Human-grade products – To find the best available quality of HOCl solutions, look for manufacturers that produce human-grade products, such as the Puracyn wound solutions.5 You can search for HOCl wound products under the “FRO” product code in the FDA medical device database to determine whether a manufacturer has a corresponding human-grade product.
- Packaging – Quality packaging should keep out elements that can contribute to the degradation of the molecule.
- Production methods – Knowledgeable manufacturers require state-of-the-art infrastructure to produce consistent HOCl products in a clean, controlled environment.
As a pioneer in the production and commercialization of HOCl, Vetericyn is a trusted manufacturer of wound-cleansing products for both animals and humans. Our industry-leading manufacturing techniques support the production of stable, effective, and safe HOCl solutions.
Key Benefits of HOCl
Ultimately, HOCl is a versatile, safe compound that has endless benefits for veterinarians, livestock owners, and pet owners. It supports all phases of wound management, from cleansing to debriding. HOCl keeps both acute and chronic wounds clean and moisturized, allowing for the body’s natural healing processes to continue without interruption. This makes HOCl a powerful wound treatment on its own, and it can also act as an effective supplement to antibiotic regimens, decreasing side effects and improving healing times.6
Some of the core advantages of HOCl include:
- Safety – When made properly, HOCl solutions are both skin-safe and safe to ingest. HOCl supports healthy tissue instead of harming it, focusing exclusively on eradicating antigens.
- Comfort – While other cleansers cause uncomfortable sensations, HOCl doesn’t cause irritation, stinging, or burning for the animal.
- Versatility – Vetericyn’s HOCl formulations are effective on a broad range of microbes that commonly affect animals, including parvo and ringworm.7
Provide Cutting-Edge Care with Vetericyn
HOCl is one of the most advanced and accessible solutions available for animal wound care today. It allows you to prioritize the health and safety of your animals by bolstering processes that already occur in their very own immune systems. When incorporating this powerhouse disinfectant into your cat or dog wound care routine, look for solutions from expert manufacturers like Vetericyn.
By choosing Vetericyn Plus products, you’re providing your animals with an expert formulation that’s designed to provide lasting results. From skincare to wound care, our antimicrobial products create an optimal environment for healing. Regardless of how you use Vetericyn, your animals are sure to thank you.
Reviewed by Solomon Benarroch, Veterinarian
Solomon Benarroch DVM has been a practicing veterinarian for over 30 years. His primary focus has been in equine soundness and performance sports medicine. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada he attended college at the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine. And completed an internship at the University of Minnesota. He is the father of three kids and when he isn’t working (which is rare), he enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Sources:
- Health Facilities Management. Exploring the use of hypochlorous acid for disinfection. https://www.hfmmagazine.com/articles/4458-exploring-the-use-of-hypochlorous-acid-for-disinfection
- Vetericyn VF Plus. VETERICYN® PLUS VETERINARY FORMULA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. https://www.vetericynvf.com/science-hypochlorous-acid-faq/
- HPM Global Learning Network. Treating Chronic Wounds With Hypochlorous Acid Disrupts Biofilm. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/twc/articles/treating-chronic-wounds-hypochlorous-acid-disrupts-biofilm
- National Library of Medicine. Physiology, Acid Base Balance. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507807/
- Puracyn Plus. PURACYN® PLUS PROFESSIONAL FORMULA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. https://www.puracynpluspro.com/science-hypochlorous-acid-faq/
- Vetericyn VF. Hypochlorous Acid Solution: A Tale of Two Clinics. https://www.vetericynvf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/INN136_11x17-R2.pdf?_ga=2.227202653.1795482586.1686114121-1216246024.1684297733
- Vetericyn. Our Technology. https://vetericyn.com/our-technology/
