why does hydrogen peroxide help clotting?

[Narnia]

I recently accidentally cut my foot and it was dripping blood (it wasn't a very big or deep cut and my blood generally clots pretty quickly, something about this cut however didn't want to stop bleeding). I applied a solution of hydrogen peroxide (the over the counter stuff that is 3% H2O2) to the cut and it instantly quit bleeding. This made me start wondering why does peroxide stop the bleeding of a cut? Also, why does it foam when it comes in contact with both blood the drain of the sink but not when it comes in contact with most other substances?

 

[Gigaz]

This belongs to Science and Technology.

Hydrogen peroxide releases a lot of oxygen when it decays by 2 H2O2 --> 2 H2O + O2.
It does so when it meets a catalysator. Blood works as a catalysator in this case, probably because of the iron. The released oxygen accelerates the clotting because it makes your blood believe that it is in contact with fresh air.

 

[Behind The Mask]

This belongs to Science and Technology.

Hydrogen peroxide releases a lot of oxygen when it decays by 2 H2O2 --> 2 H2O + O2.
It does so when it meets a catalysator. Blood works as a catalysator in this case, probably because of the iron. The released oxygen accelerates the clotting because it makes your blood believe that it is in contact with fresh air.

But if your bleedings (Which would be the reason for using Hydrogen Peroxide) then, well, wouldn't the blood be in contact with fresh air...

Or is the blood just very cocky and doesn't believe it.

Spoiler :

Actually I get the point, I just wanted to be a smartass

 

[plarq]

Well, several factors involved in blood clotting. Oxygen is certainly a factor.

 

[lutzj]

edit: never mind

 

[emzie]

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic. It's been a while since I covered the cascade process in coagulation, but I really can't recall an active roll of oxygen being present.