Can water or alcohol be absorbed through the skin with osmosis?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the absorption of water and alcohol through the skin, specifically addressing the role of osmosis. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is highlighted for its unique ability to penetrate living tissues due to its polar nature and small structure, allowing it to interact with various biological substances. The consensus is that while small hydrophobic molecules and certain polar solvents like methanol can penetrate the skin, water does not easily absorb into the bloodstream through the skin barrier. The conversation also clarifies misconceptions about the effects of soaking in alcohol, emphasizing that significant absorption into the bloodstream does not occur.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of skin permeability and barrier functions
  • Knowledge of chemical properties such as polarity and molecular size
  • Familiarity with organic solvents and their interactions with biological tissues
  • Basic concepts of osmosis and diffusion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in transdermal drug delivery
  • Learn about skin barrier functions and factors affecting permeability
  • Investigate the effects of various organic solvents on skin absorption
  • Explore the physiological implications of chemical absorption through the skin
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for biochemists, pharmacologists, dermatologists, and anyone interested in transdermal drug delivery systems and skin absorption mechanisms.

Peter Pan
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Can water or alcohol be absorbed through the skin with osmosis? More importantly can it be absorbed into the bloodstream? I know some chemicals can be, what characteristics allow those chemicals to do that?

Pan
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • The unique capability of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to penetrate living tissues without causing significant damage is most probably related to its relatively polar nature, its capacity to accept hydrogen bonds, and its relatively small and compact structure. This combination of properties results in the ability of DMSO to associate with water, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acid, ionic substances, and other constituents of living systems.
 
I don't think that was his question, water doesn't penetrate our body very easily the skin isolates actually pretty well, otherwise you'd evaporate in a few hours. There is a skin condition in young born babies where they have abnormal skin, they dry out because of it and soon die.
I think it is small hydrophobic molecules that are actually able to penetrate the skin, just think of all the creams that people smear on their face. But also polar molecules like methanol, I'm not sure why, I guess it's an organic solvent and thus is able to go through.
 
Monique said:
I don't think that was his question
He wrote:


  • absorbed into the bloodstream ... I know some chemicals can be, what characteristics allow those chemicals to do that?
 
so, if you sat in a tub of vodka there is no way to get drunk. I was trying to tell a buddy this, but he was positive you could. I was under the impression that if our body allowed things to seap into our body and blood stream that easy, we would be in trouble.
 
hitssquad said:
He wrote:


  • absorbed into the bloodstream ... I know some chemicals can be, what characteristics allow those chemicals to do that?
Oh wait, I misread.. you said DMSO, but I thought you said DHMO as in H2O.. ha, I wasn't quite awake yet at the time.. :rolleyes:
 

Similar threads

Is It Safe to Inject a COVID Booster Before the Alcohol Prep Pad Dries?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Why Does Osmosis Stop in Animal Cells?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Why is sweat composed of water and salt?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Osmoregulation in freshwater fish
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
Effectiveness of saline water against respiratory tract viruses
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
PFAS and Power Lines Cause Cancer?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
9K
Biology Water Potential and Osmosis Potatoes Investigation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Will Dishwasher Liquid Affect Blood Samples?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
How can humans know that dinosaurs looked like reptiles?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Hiking, traveling in remote locations, especially in hot summer months
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K