Greg Who Cooks
Executive Chef
Just cut myself, no biggie. A Band-Ade now adorns it. When reaching for an antiseptic I found (not to my surprise) that I have 3% hydrogen peroxide and 91% isopropyl alcohol. I grabbed the hydrogen peroxide without thinking about it (I was bleeding) but after I finished the patch job I was puzzled that I didn't really know which would be better. Why do I stock both? I dunno.
I did a little research (Wikipedia: Antiseptic) and discovered that "More common 3% solutions of hydrogen peroxide have been used in household first aid for scrapes, etc. However, even this less potent form is no longer recommended for typical wound care as the strong oxidization causes scar formation and increases healing time." However a notation states that a citation is needed for this assertion.
A forum such as DC attracts a lot of people of diverse knowledge (besides cooking) and I know a few members work in nursing related fields. All of you, what do you think of the following?
(1) 3% hydrogen peroxide, as I said above may may cause scar formation and may increase healing time.
(2) 91% isopropyl alcohol, also known as IPA. Sold in both 91% and 70%, the latter called rubbing alcohol. I buy it as an antiseptic and I figure more is better so I always get the high test.
(3) 99.953% isopropyl alcohol, really the high test stuff! It's practically pure IPA although a USP notation is conspicuously absent. A note about first aid says if you swallow it call the Poison Control Center! Nothing about using it as an antiseptic though. I buy it to clean electronic components. Probably not a good idea to use it as antiseptic.
(4) 95% ethyl alcohol, AKA 190 proof Everclear. This stuff would probably be pretty good as an antiseptic but is much better in punch or cocktails. I make a really great Bloody Mary with Everclear plus spicy tomato juice and a few other ingredients. I love it because it doesn't water down the tomato juice. Vodka is generally about 40% alcohol so it's almost two-thirds water. Who wants water in a Bloody Mary? However, it's probably a waste to use it on a would. Using it after is much better!
(Warnings: 1. Do not drink straight Everclear because it will burn your mouth and throat. 2. Adjust your measure when making cocktails because it's more than twice as strong as vodka! You don't want to have to peel your guests off the floor.)
(5) Something else? What do you use? Probably should stick to those products available in stores everywhere, not OR stuff.
All opinions are welcome and humor is not off limits!
If I could pick only one it would definitely choose the Everclear! Is it an antiseptic or is it a cocktail mixer? It's both! I guess if you hurt on the outside you apply it topically, and if your feelings are hurt you apply it internally!
I did a little research (Wikipedia: Antiseptic) and discovered that "More common 3% solutions of hydrogen peroxide have been used in household first aid for scrapes, etc. However, even this less potent form is no longer recommended for typical wound care as the strong oxidization causes scar formation and increases healing time." However a notation states that a citation is needed for this assertion.
A forum such as DC attracts a lot of people of diverse knowledge (besides cooking) and I know a few members work in nursing related fields. All of you, what do you think of the following?
(1) 3% hydrogen peroxide, as I said above may may cause scar formation and may increase healing time.
(2) 91% isopropyl alcohol, also known as IPA. Sold in both 91% and 70%, the latter called rubbing alcohol. I buy it as an antiseptic and I figure more is better so I always get the high test.
(3) 99.953% isopropyl alcohol, really the high test stuff! It's practically pure IPA although a USP notation is conspicuously absent. A note about first aid says if you swallow it call the Poison Control Center! Nothing about using it as an antiseptic though. I buy it to clean electronic components. Probably not a good idea to use it as antiseptic.
(4) 95% ethyl alcohol, AKA 190 proof Everclear. This stuff would probably be pretty good as an antiseptic but is much better in punch or cocktails. I make a really great Bloody Mary with Everclear plus spicy tomato juice and a few other ingredients. I love it because it doesn't water down the tomato juice. Vodka is generally about 40% alcohol so it's almost two-thirds water. Who wants water in a Bloody Mary? However, it's probably a waste to use it on a would. Using it after is much better!
(Warnings: 1. Do not drink straight Everclear because it will burn your mouth and throat. 2. Adjust your measure when making cocktails because it's more than twice as strong as vodka! You don't want to have to peel your guests off the floor.)
(5) Something else? What do you use? Probably should stick to those products available in stores everywhere, not OR stuff.
All opinions are welcome and humor is not off limits!
If I could pick only one it would definitely choose the Everclear! Is it an antiseptic or is it a cocktail mixer? It's both! I guess if you hurt on the outside you apply it topically, and if your feelings are hurt you apply it internally!
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