Question 1

can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a child's skin wound?

Accepted Answer

You can, but...: ...I wouldn't recommend it. Alcohol on an open wound will sting like crazy, and your child won't let you near him or her again! plain old soap and water, used gently, will do an excellent job of cleansing the overwhelming majority of superficial skin wounds.

Question 2

is there an alternative to rubbing alcohol as a great germ killer on your skin?

Accepted Answer

Just about anything: Rubbing alcohol is a lousy germ killer. You're better off using soap and water.

Question 3

would hydrogen peroxide or 70% rubbing alcohol kill any cell on contact (outside of the body).  if so, how does it not kill your skin cells?

Accepted Answer

They already dead: Those cells are already dead once they reach superficial layer of the skin.

Question 4

can 91% rubbing alcohol cause blisters on skin that had been previously covered for 9 days after hysterectomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if allergic: Yes, if you have a hypersensitivity to rubbing alcohol.

Question 5

i had sexual intercorse last week nd cleaned up with rubbing alcohol & now my head on my penis burns & is been about a week?

Accepted Answer

: Rubbing alcohol can burn when used on an irritated area. If it continues or you have burning with urination or discharge from your penis, you should see your doctor to be sure there is no infection. Sometimes applying Aquaphor to irritations can help to heal them meanwhile.

Question 6

does isopropyl rubbing alcohol stop the growth of new skin on a road rash?

Accepted Answer

Can impede healing: Best thing to do after the initial disinfection with soap or alcohol is to apply petroleum ointment (plain vaseline) at least twice daily until the skin has re-epithelized (about 5-7days). Hydrogen peroxide can be harmful to the healing skin, antibiotic ointments increase the risk of allergic contact dermatitis, alcohol can dry out the wound resulting in a scab which can also slow down healing.

Question 7

what exactly does clindamycin 1% topical solution do to the skin for acne purposes? and isn't it essentially rubbing alcohol?

Accepted Answer

It : It does have alcohol in it but it is an antibiotic that is targeting the bacteria, propionibacterium acnes, that is one of the main causes of inflammation in acne. Clindamycin is very effective, especially in combination with benzoyl peroxide.

Question 8

whenever a doctor uses rubbing alcohol to clean my skin, it breaks out into hives that last for 2+ weeks. but i can drink normal alcohol. why?

Accepted Answer

It may not be hives: Hives usually are itchy red bumps that clear over minutes to hours. If the rash you have lasts for 2 weeks, this could either be an iriitant or a contact dermatitis. The alcohol used as a disinfectant can have different alcohols from what is in beverages.

Question 9

will applying rubbing alcohol to my legs before shaving help avoid razor bumps? what can else can i do? i have very sensitive skin

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Razor bumps are due to irritation from shaving and ingrown hairs.  Rubbing alcohol can dry out the skin and irritate sensitive skin even more.  Try a fresh blade, shaving in direction of hair growth, use a thin layer of shaving cream, and gently exfoliate periodically.  Sometimes depilatories or laser hair removal & not shaving at all gives the best relief & prevention!

Question 10

my hand skin is irritated without a rash or any visible reason.scratching it and rubbing alcohol alleviate the irritation but for a limited time.this seems to come for 3 days and then dissapear for a week.i am 17 with no illnesses.what could it be?

Accepted Answer

Inbox consult: You may upload a photo of your hand to an inbox consult with Healthtap. We can assess your condition and make specific recommendations for therapy. From your description, avoid rubbing alcohol and try using an oatmeal paste on the skin and then rinse. There may be a local irritant on the skin which is causing a reaction. Also use an over the counter eczema lotion a few times per day until seen.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Effects of rubbing alcohol on skin

A member asked:

Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a child's skin wound?

A member asked:

Is there an alternative to rubbing alcohol as a great germ killer on your skin?

A member asked:

Would hydrogen peroxide or 70% rubbing alcohol kill any cell on contact (outside of the body). if so, how does it not kill your skin cells?

A member asked:

Can 91% rubbing alcohol cause blisters on skin that had been previously covered for 9 days after hysterectomy?

A member asked:

I had sexual intercorse last week nd cleaned up with rubbing alcohol & now my head on my penis burns & is been about a week?

A member asked:

Does isopropyl rubbing alcohol stop the growth of new skin on a road rash?

A member asked:

What exactly does clindamycin 1% topical solution do to the skin for acne purposes? and isn't it essentially rubbing alcohol?

A member asked:

Whenever a doctor uses rubbing alcohol to clean my skin, it breaks out into hives that last for 2+ weeks. but i can drink normal alcohol. why?

A member asked:

Will applying rubbing alcohol to my legs before shaving help avoid razor bumps? what can else can i do? i have very sensitive skin

A member asked:

My hand skin is irritated without a rash or any visible reason.scratching it and rubbing alcohol alleviate the irritation but for a limited time.this seems to come for 3 days and then dissapear for a week.i am 17 with no illnesses.what could it be?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?