Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological condition with diverse etiologies, including metabolic, infectious, and toxic exposures. While isopropyl alcohol (IPA) toxicity is well-documented in ingestion cases, transdermal exposure leading to neuropathy is rare. IPA is readily absorbed through intact skin and metabolized to acetone, which may exert neurotoxic effects. Chronic dermal exposure can lead to peripheral nerve damage via oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and local inflammation. We report an 80-year-old male who developed left lower extremity numbness following topical application of IPA multiple times daily for 3 months for pain relief. After differential diagnoses were ruled out, cessation of the IPA led to complete resolution after 3 weeks.
Keywords: isopropanol; isopropyl alcohol; neuropathy; toxicology; transdermal.