Can Rubbing Alcohol Kill Yeast Infections on Skin?
Alcohol does kill fungi on surfaces: the CDC lists alcohols as fungicidal for disinfecting equipment. But rubbing alcohol is not a treatment for a yeast infection on the skin. The NHS treats skin thrush and yeast rashes in skin folds (intertrigo) with antifungal medicine such as clotrimazole cream, usually used for 2 to 4 weeks, from a pharmacy or on prescription.
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Rubbing Alcohol Dilution Chart (PDF)
How much 99%, 91% or 70% rubbing alcohol and water to mix for a 70% or 60% cleaning solution, for 100, 250 and 500 ml. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it or keep it on your phone.
- Ready-made amounts for 99%, 91% and 70% bottles
- The 60-90% range the CDC gives for alcohol disinfectants, and safety notes
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Does alcohol kill fungus?
On surfaces and equipment, yes. The CDC’s disinfection guideline says alcohols are rapidly bactericidal and also tuberculocidal, fungicidal and virucidal, but do not destroy bacterial spores. The CDC describes this use for disinfecting things like thermometers, stethoscopes and surfaces, with the best strength being 60% to 90% alcohol in water.
Can rubbing alcohol cure a yeast infection on the skin?
It is not a recommended treatment. The CDC guideline is about disinfecting objects, not treating infected skin, and it notes that alcohol evaporates quickly, so it does not stay in contact for long. Yeast infections on the skin (for example thrush on the skin or a rash in skin folds) are treated with antifungal medicines.
What the NHS recommends instead
The NHS lists clotrimazole as a treatment for fungal infections including thrush on the skin, athlete’s foot, ringworm, nappy rash and rashes in skin folds (intertrigo). Most forms can be bought from pharmacies and shops; some are on prescription only. For the 1% or 2% cream the NHS gives 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the infection.
The NHS says to see a doctor if thrush symptoms have not improved after 7 days of treatment.
Our advice
- Do not put rubbing alcohol on broken, raw or genital skin or inside the body.
- Use alcohol to clean things that touch the rash, such as nail clippers, and let it dry.
- Ask a pharmacist which antifungal suits the area and how long to use it.
Need a 70% cleaning mix from a stronger bottle? Use the rubbing alcohol dilution calculator.
People also ask
Does rubbing alcohol kill yeast?
Alcohol is fungicidal on surfaces (CDC), but it is not a treatment for a yeast infection on the skin; antifungal creams are.
Does alcohol kill fungi?
Yes on equipment and surfaces: the CDC lists alcohols as fungicidal. They do not destroy bacterial spores.
What should I use for a yeast infection on my skin?
The NHS lists antifungal medicine such as clotrimazole cream, from a pharmacy or on prescription, usually for 2 to 4 weeks.
Sources
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