What happens if you put rubbing alcohol on an open wound that stay scabbed over?

Putting rubbing alcohol on an open wound that has already scabbed over can have both negative and positive effects:

Negative effects:

1. Delayed Healing: Rubbing alcohol can kill the newly formed skin cells and damage the delicate tissue beneath the scab, which can delay the healing process.

2. Pain and Irritation: Applying alcohol to an open wound can cause a burning sensation and increase discomfort. The alcohol can also dry out the skin around the wound, causing further irritation.

3. Damage to Healthy Tissue: Rubbing alcohol can damage healthy skin cells surrounding the wound, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Positive effects:

1. Disinfection: Rubbing alcohol has antiseptic properties and can help to kill bacteria on the surface of the wound, reducing the risk of infection.

2. Removal of Dead Tissue: In some cases, rubbing alcohol can be used to gently remove dead tissue and debris from the wound, promoting healing.

Recommendation:

While rubbing alcohol can be beneficial for cleaning wounds in certain situations, it should be used with caution on open wounds that have scabbed over. It's generally better to consult a healthcare professional for proper wound care advice, especially if the wound is deep, has signs of infection, or shows no signs of improvement after self-care. In most cases, it is recommended to use milder wound cleaning solutions like saline or soap and water instead of rubbing alcohol.