Science, Tech, Math › Science Why Does Alcohol Burn on a Cut or Wound? Print Carol Yepes / Getty Images Science Chemistry Medical Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on September 17, 2019 If you've ever applied alcohol to a cut or other wound, you know it stings and burns. It doesn't matter which type of alcohol you use—ethanol, isopropyl, and rubbing alcohol all produce the effect. The alcohol doesn't physically burn you, but you feel the sensation because the chemical activates the same nerve receptors in your skin that let you know boiling water or a flame is hot. Read More The Chemical Composition of Rubbing Alcohol By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. The Science of Pain Special cells called VR1 receptors fire neurochemical signals to your brain when they are exposed to heat. When the receptors are exposed to alcohol, like when you pour alcohol-based disinfectant onto an open cut, the alcohol molecule lowers the temperature threshold required to send this signal. Scientists studying the interaction between ethanol and VR1 receptors have determined the receptors are triggered 10 degrees cooler than normal. Other types of alcohol appear to act similarly. Although it isn't known for certain, the heat generated by cells as part of the inflammation response may act as the source of the burning sensation. Some people believe applying alcohol to skin before damaging it (e.g., for a vaccination) cools the skin enough to prevent or lessen the burning sensation. Even chilled alcohol applied to a cut will sting. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Does Alcohol Burn on a Cut or Wound?" ThoughtCo, Sep. 7, 2021, thoughtco.com/why-alcohol-burns-on-a-cut-or-wound-608398. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 7). Why Does Alcohol Burn on a Cut or Wound? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-alcohol-burns-on-a-cut-or-wound-608398 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Does Alcohol Burn on a Cut or Wound?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/why-alcohol-burns-on-a-cut-or-wound-608398 (accessed April 24, 2024). copy citation