Re: Does Isopropyl Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide alter blood flow in the skin?

Jason, thanks for your question.

The answer is actually rather complex.  At very, and I mean VERY high 
doses/levels, the isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol -- it goes by both names) 
could cause a decrease in blood flow (known as vasoconstriction).  I 
highly doubt this is the case in your situation as you would have 
experienced various kinds of intoxication.

What I'm thinking probably happened was that you were seeing a "visual 
effect" of the evaporation, or a lighting effect.  You could also have 
begun to see an intoxication effect if you were using very high levels 
(which again, I doubt).

As far as hydrogen peroxide goes, it doesn't really do much.  It 
definitely doesn't change or alter the bloodflow.  All in all, I think you 
just saw an interaction between the peroxide and the isopropanol, and 
evaporation.

Good luck.

Lyle D. Burgoon
Graduate Research Assistant
Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology
College of Human Medicine
National Food Safety and Toxicology Center
Michigan State University