Why is Alcohol a Good Antiseptic?

Certain forms of alcohol are excellent antiseptics because the chemical makeup works to slow and/or stop the growth of some viruses, bacteria and fungi. Scientific texts indicate that this occurs because ethyl alcohol causes proteins to coagulate. Essentially, the structure of alcohol allows it to get inside these small organisms and stop them from growing. Other forms of alcohol, such as methyl alcohol, are not meant to be used for general antiseptic purposes. This is a much stronger solvent that is designed for industrial use.

One of the more interesting facts uncovered about alcohol is that the strongest solutions do not have the best antiseptic properties. In fact, applying 100 percent alcohol for antiseptic purposes may cause bacteria and other tiny organisms to build a protective shell of protein. This prevents the alcohol from getting into the interior of the organism. Scientists have discovered that a solution in the range of 70 percent alcohol has better antiseptic properties.

But we shouldn’t think of alcohol as poisoning the living organisms. It also does not actually break them down or cause them to dissolve. What happens is that a solution that contains the proper amount of alcohol soaks into or is absorbed by the microorganisms. At that point the material of the living organisms (protein) begins to coagulate. The organism’s mostly liquid insides begin to form a solid mass (congeal).

Organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi must have some supply of sustenance to feed on. They must also have moisture and will grow best in a certain range of temperatures. Efforts to prevent the growth of these living things is at the heart of food preservation and preservation of bodies. In the past century (or a bit longer) scientific and medical research has led to some standard strengths and uses for alcohol-based antiseptics.

Academic texts and preservation guidelines show a number of different types of antiseptic materials. Alcohol types include: 1-propanol at 60 to 70 percent solution and ethanol at 60 to 90 percent solution. These and one or two others are generally used for medical purposes, especially to disinfect the surface of the skin before a doctor or nurse gives us an injection.

Other antiseptics: Boric acid and ammonium compounds may also be used in specific situations. Most people are familiar with the health/medical uses of hydrogen peroxide and iodine, though these have been relegated to the back shelf or eliminated altogether because of a tendency to develop scar tissue. Mercurochrome use has been discontinued because it contains mercury.

Human beings can use ethyl alcohol for medical cleansing and health purposes because our skin cells don’t respond to the coagulating effects of alcohol as many organisms do. Simply put, our skin won’t congeal and form into a rough mass when it comes into contact with alcohol. However, open wounds and internal tissue are much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.

In the right situation and with the proper solution, alcohol has proven to be an effective antiseptic.