What kind of chemical reaction did I create in my hand?

Question

Hello,

I have a minor medical issue with numbness in my hands. Recently I was attempting to snake out a clogged drain and needed to put my hand down the pipe to feed the snake (a tool used to clear drains). I was not wearing gloves and noticed that my hand was hurting. When I pulled my hand out, I noticed it was bleeding and poured Hydrogen peroxide on it. Only to discover that my wife had poured Draino Chrystals - the kind with the metal shards in it) down the pipe earlier. I did go to the doctor a few days later, and it is healing. But I am curious as to if the Hydrogen Peroxide reacted with the Draino Chrystals that were imbedded in my skin?

Answer 1

The metal in Drano is finely shredded aluminum.  The purpose is the when the lye and water mix to create heat and H2, the aluminum is swirled by the gas like a whirlpool and cuts through the clog.  I am not a chemistry expert, but I believe the end results of hydrogen peroxide added to the mix will be aluminum oxide which would definitely embed in your skin.  It is not toxic, and will work its way out.