About Alcohol Cotton Swabs: Use, Warn, Dosage

Alcohol swabs are individually wrapped pads made of cotton and contain 70% isopropanol. They're tightly sealed in an aluminum paper bag to keep them sterile and prevent dryness. Alcohol swabs are manufactured by several companies around the world, come in different sizes, and have a wide range of applications—from cleaning computer keyboards or other office equipment to sanitizing skin before injections at the doctor's office.

What are the uses of alcohol swab?

Cleaning the skin with cotton swabs helps prevent bacteria from getting into the body and causing infections. Alcohol was proven to be a great disinfectant, killing 47-91% of number of bacteria on the skin; therefore, alcohol swab is common in hospitals, clinics and first aid kits. Alcohol swabs are a great alternative to soap and water. In addition, they can be used on cuts, bruises, insect bites or new blisters when the skin is not cleaned properly with regular methods of washing hands before food preparation. 

What are the warnings of using alcohol swabs?

Remember not to use alcohol swabs on sensitive skin or in the eyes. Alcohol swabs should never be used around open fires, as they're flammable and could cause a fire hazard. Never wipe deep stab wounds with an alcohol swab because it can irritate your wound further.

What are the differences between alcohol swabs and antiseptic swabs?

Clean around a wound with antiseptic wipes to prevent the spread of bacteria and protect your skin from harsh chemicals. Be sure not to use alcohol swabs on open wounds, as they can sting.

What is the dosage of alcohol swabs? 

If you're using an alcohol swab, always follow the instructions on how much to use and for what purpose. If your doctor prescribed it or if there's a label saying that more than one application is safe, then do so as directed by those guidelines. Do not take orally -- this may cause damage to internal organs such as kidneys and liver!

Topical drugs should only be used on bare skin; don't apply them onto open wounds or sunburned areas of sensitive skin since these can lead to severe irritation with no relief from their intended effects at all. If this product comes into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or genitals rinse well with water. Using a cotton ball apply the isopropanol to the affected area evenly and use only as much of it as needed - if you need more than one cotton swab throw out old ones and grab new ones instead.

Treat muscle soreness with isopropanol and apply it liberally to the skin until the alcohol dries out. Do not allow children to use this product without supervision. Call your doctor if you don't seem to be getting better or feeling worse after using isopropanol.

Store at room temperature and away from moisture and heat, but keep the cap tight when not in use. Isopropyl alcohol may catch fire so please do not smoke until your skin has dried completely.

When accidental ingestion occurs, seek emergency medical help or call the poison helpline. Because isopropanol doesn't have a fixed dose plan, it's difficult to determine an appropriate amount for treatment purposes.

Alcohol swabs can be useful if used the right way.