Alcohol does not reduce swelling. The main component within alcohol is 75% ethanol, which is mainly used to disinfect the skin surface and has no role in reducing swelling. Alcohol can kill bacteria and fungi, including budding spores, so it can be used for disinfection of the complete skin surface, usually applied twice. However, alcohol is irritating and should not be used in contact with wounds or the inside of wounds, which can cause significant pain after contact. If there is edema or lump on the body surface and the swelling needs to be reduced, cold compresses should be applied within a short period of time, using ice or cold towels on the outside of the lump, which can generally reduce capillary bleeding as well as reduce edema. If the swelling decreases after two days, hot compresses can be applied with hot towels to accelerate the circulation of blood around the area.