Rubbing Alcohol Information
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly called rubbing alcohol, is a man-made alcohol that is poisonous when inhaled in large amounts. While it can be used around children as well as adults, it is important to take precautions in closed areas. The fumes can lead to dizziness, headaches or even liver failure. (If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.) Does this Spark an idea?
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Pain Relief
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Athletes--primarily soccer, football and basketball players and runners--can benefit from rubbing alcohol by applying it to the joints daily or after a strenuous competition or practice. According to arthritistypesonline.com, one quart of rubbing alcohol can be combined with 1 oz. of cayenne pepper to provide joint pain and arthritis relief.
Disinfectant
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Isopropyl alcohol is a great disinfectant and can be used to sterilize medical equipment. Health care professionals commonly use it to sterilize thermometers, stethoscopes, exam tables, exam trays and exam seats and other tools. Tattoo and piercing artists are required to use rubbing alcohol to clean microbial organisms, debris and bacteria from the skin before tattooing or piercing. Once a piercing has been made, it should not be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol but based on the tattoo artist's or piercer's instructions.
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Surface Infections
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Rubbing alcohol can be used to kill a number of surface infections and skin conditions, including athlete's foot, cold sores and oily skin. Wash the affected area and use cotton wool to apply a liberal amount of rubbing alcohol to the surrounding area. Athlete's foot and cold sores can be eliminated within days. Alcohol also can be applied directly to the skin to remove excessive oil, but the skin might start to dry with continuous use.
Household Cleaning
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Use isopropyl alcohol to clean household items like furniture, kitchen cabinets, tables, windows and appliances. Apply directly to furniture, cabinets and tables to remove dirt and stains, including nail polish and marker and grease stain. Use a circular motion to loosen dirt and stubborn carpet stains. It is not necessary to rinse after. Mix isopropyl alcohol with 1 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of vinegar to clean windows and appliances.
On-the-Go Sanitizer
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Rubbing alcohol is the perfect sanitizer. Apply directly to the hands or add to a spray bottle and use it to clean public door handles, public toilet seats and restaurant tables. The alcohol does not need to be diluted, and it is not necessary to rinse after.
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