Why you should NOT use alcohol to clean wounds?

Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean a cut or a wound is a common practice that almost everyone has grown up with. Some people believe that leaving a wound open is the right thing to aid in the healing process whereas others think that natural remedies are the safest and effective remedies to deal with injuries. Whatever is the case, using alcohol is not advised as it can cause more harm than good. When asked if this technique is right, here is what our expert Dr Pradip Shah, Consultant Physician at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, said.

If you have cuts or wounds, it is best not to use alcohol to clean the area as it can harm the tissue and delay the healing process. Although alcohol can hamper bacterial activity at the site of injury, it can burn the healthy skin cells. Moreover, it also damages the skin cells leading to pain, swelling, irritation and itching. Alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant for medical purposes mainly before an injection or surgery. The same rule applies for hydrogen peroxide, which is also commonly used as a disinfectant to clean wounds.

How to clean wounds?

Well, the right way to clean wounds or cuts and scrapes is to clean it under running tap water. You can use antibacterial soap if you have, or any mild soap can do. Rinse the area for a few minutes to remove dirt and debris and blood (if any). Read about first aid for cuts and bleeding. After clean with water, pat dry with a clean towel or cotton and then apply antibiotic cream. If the cut or wound is too deep or if it bleeds non-stop, then do consult a doctor immediately. Home remedies like turmeric, alum, butter and aloe vera should be avoided as it might worsen the inflammation. Also read about pus formation – expert tips for home treatment.

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