Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 01/04/2012 10:12:01

Title: Why does alcohol make cuts sting?
Post by: thedoc on 01/04/2012 10:12:01

Steven Wasmer  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Chris,

Good morning and great show! I was just using some disinfectant gel on my hands and discovered I had a small cut on my hand. Obviously the alcohol immediately burned in the wound. I was wondering what is it about alcohol which causes this burning sensation?

Thanks for a great show (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).

Steven W  
PA USA    

What do you think?

Title: Re: Why does alcohol make cuts sting?
Post by: cheryl j on 17/04/2012 04:24:49

My guess is that alcohol either directly stimulates pain receptors in exposed tissue, or it further damages cells that release inflammatory chemicals that stimulate pain receptors.