Why does alcohol hurt when it touches a wound?

Alcohol-induced wound pain is mainly due to alcohol stimulation of exposed pain receptors within the wound, wound disinfection is recommended to use non-irritating disinfectants such as iodophor. Normal human epithelium is dense, can effectively block alcohol, foreign objects and other irritants, contact is located in the subcutaneous pain receptors, such as the ring layer vesicles. When a skin laceration occurs, alcohol can penetrate into the subcutaneous through the wound to directly stimulate the receptors, causing abnormal localized pain. To disinfect open wounds, it is recommended to use non-irritating disinfectants, such as iodophor, hydrogen peroxide, etc., which can effectively remove bacteria and foreign bodies from the wound. Medical alcohol can be used to disinfect the surface of objects, or the surface of unbroken skin. After disinfection and debridement of wounds, it is recommended to avoid contact with foreign substances such as alcohol, keep them dry, and medications should be applied under doctor’s supervision.