Is rubbing alcohol safe for children?

Answer 1

Yes. It works good and it makes you feel better. You could also use Vick's and put it on their chest. If their nose are plugged up put it around their nose (Vick's).I know because that is what I always do when I'm sick, and I am still a kid, my grandma taught me how to take care of myself, she is an excellent nurse.So it will work good for your kid.

They also used to use leaches and give insulin to mental patients to sedate them. Just because it was done in the "old days" doesn't mean it is still applicable or even "better".

Rubbing Alcohol is NOT recommended on children. It is absorbed through the skin and puts the child at risk for Isopropanol poisoning (http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic19.htm). Rubbing alcohol does nothing useful.

Looking on here for answers on how to take care of your child is like soliciting a prostitute in a run-down area of your closest major city: you'll get a lot of interest, but none of it is probably any good. Consult a medically-trained professional!!!!!!!

AN APPROPRIATE ANSWER:

Years ago. putting alcohol in a tepid bath, or giving a child an alcohol rub down was a way to reduce a very high fever. As the alcohol evaporated, the skin was cooled and fever reduced. HOWEVER, nowadays it is not recommended to use alcohol on a child's skin in this way, as the fumes can be harmful also and even fatal in extreme cases. <<>>

Answer 2

No, as pediatricians, we prefer you NOT use rubbing alcohol - the alcohol can be absorbed into the body via the skin, creating a possibility of alcohol intoxication.

The optimum way to cool down a child with a high fever is to put him/her in a warm bath and then turn on the cold spout - apply luke-warm water to the arm-pits and groin.

RBB, MD

Answer 3

As long as a responsible adult is distributing isopropanol, it is safe for those of all ages. Of course, keeping it away from the eyes, nose and mouth is important no matter how old the patient is. Remember that rubbing alcohol does tend to burn and is not the funnest thing to have on a fresh cut, so have some ice cream or a cookie ready for your child.

Answer 4

Rubbing alcohol is normally a 70% solution (in water) of isopropanol, which is slightly poisonous.

However, unless you're actually leaving it out for them to drink, it evaporates fairly quickly, and assuming you wipe it afterwards instead of just leaving puddles around, it should be fine.