Getting rid of the sting of capsaicin

[BeckyAndTheBeanstock]

I passed along a recipe for harissa to a friend -- and she just made a big batch of it without wearing gloves. I thought she knew so I didn't mention it -- she's an experienced cook, but she thought it was only the fresh ones that cause pain. So now, as I recall, that pain will go on for a day or two. Does anyone have any effective remedies for the stinging, burning pain you get when you cut up chiles without wearing gloves?

[kseiverd]

Not into seriously HOT peppers, but do use jalapenos from time to time. Was making big batch of fresh salsa and finely minced a few jalapenos. Was VERY careful (I thought) to wash hands well after mincing. Later put fingers to mouth and I was on fire... apparently heat migrated under finger nails. Didn't bother hands but sure tingled lips for a while. Sure glad I didn't touch eyes or other "sensitive" areas!! After that I always use disposable gloves.

[Staceyf]

I used milk! It worked, after calling the pharmacist I found out it is made with jalapeno peppers. I had burnt myself with peppers before, it takes a bit of saoaking but it will take the burn out! Hope this helps!

[Davwud]

It's still early but I'm finding that Carbolic soap takes away a lot of odors. Especially those from oils that get into your skin. I cut some jalapenos a while back and washed my hands before putting in my contacts. No sting. I was careful to try and not contaminate so I wouldn't count this as a true test.

Just some FYI

DT

[perrsephanie18]

I was cutting a pablano chili yesterday and (dumb I know) didn't wear gloves. I tried EVERYTHING to get rid of the burn on my left hand. Here's what I tried: milk, ice water, Pepto Bismal, lemon juice, canola oil, alcohol, diluted bleach, cottage cheese, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, tomato juice, AND vaseline; each separately. I even soaked my hand in the canola oil for 30 minutes. What worked? The milk works INSTANTLY but only for 3 minutes at a time (then the sting comes back). The vaseline took 30 minutes to work but had a lasting effect. Hope this is helpful for someone :)

[melly]

a thai chef advises the use of ketchup...on hands, or in your mouth!

[anthonyacero]

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR! i tried a lot of these other suggestions and this was the one that worked. i had too many glasses of wine, and totally forgot about the dreaded capsaicin sting. suffered for a few hours and a soak in some apple cider vinegar got rid of most of the sting. :-)

[lawgirl3278]

My grandmother and mother both swear by yellow mustard.

[Val]

OR you could try fountains of mustard and ketchup as shown here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7L9TH...

Sorry to be joking but this scene has me laughing to tears...I'd been looking and looking for it and it finally reappeared on youtube. First time I ever saw this movie, forget it...I had tears streaming down my face from that hot pepper scene.

[Davwud]

Great scene from a great movie.

DT

[nkeane]

capsaicin is a chemical, and as such, delivers a chemical burn. A completely different animal from a radiation burn(as a sunburn or heat/temp. burn would be classified technically). Neutralize the chemical, and you stop the effects. Since capcaicin is an oil based chemical, you have to break down the oil and remove it from your skin. The most effective topical oil surfactant that I can think of that is ok to use on skin would be oxycilic acid, which is the main ingredient in most acne medicine. I have had really good results stopping the burning and removing chile oils from my hands with this stuff. That being said, if the oil is left too long and the burning persists, you may cause temporary damage to your nerve endings so that even after you remove the offending chemical, you are left with "phantom" nerve signals........just gotta tough that out, if its the case.

[Paulustrious]

I am not sure you are right on chemical burn theory. Capsaicin binds to and triggers the heat receptors giving the sensation of burning. Birds do not have these receptors and do not 'feel the heat'. That is why you can mix ground chili powder with seeds to stop the squirrels eating them. The birds don't even notice it.

[buttertart]

I had a bad time this Sunday with Thai chili pepper capsaicin that had apparently sprated onto my wrist/forearm when cutting the peppers - brushed my eye with it, and WOW! Washed it out with cool water, but it took a while before I was comfortable. Anyone know of any other way to soothe this?

[kchurchill5]

I just did it to my eye. Cotton ball in milk for me and within 5 minutes it felt much better. Took a bit to feel completely better, but at least I could open it. I'm lucky that it doesn't bother my skin but the mouth area it does. I grabbed a glass and aparantely close to the rim and then took a sip. Bad mistake, but again milk worked for me.

[buttertart]

Noted for future reference. Thanks!

[embee]

Capsaicin is soluble in oil, and not soluble in water. Anything that can remove oil from your skin may help. It's important to get this quickly, though, since things which are effective tend to be harsh. If your skin has actually "burned", as opposed to just being uncomfortable, I'd say use aloe vera and otherwise leave it alone.

[chowser]

I treat it like other burns, with aloe vera.

[SQHD]

First, it's not really a burn. Second, it's not something a soothing ointment or aloe will help cure. Think of it more like an irritation. Aloe might make it feel cool and refreshing for a few minutes but it does not treat the underlying problems.

The other suggestions people have posted work to treat the problem at its source.

[BiscuitBoy]

A few squirts of WD40 to loosen the capsaicin, and followed by gojo, as alan suggested...and use a nail brush. That chile oil can hang around for days, otherwise.

[alanbarnes]

What works best for me is Gojo. It's a mechanic's handcleaner that strips oils away pretty effectively, and has a pumice abrasive to facilitate getting everything off. It takes off the capsicum, but it also takes off the naturally-ocurring oils, so it's not something you want to use any more than you have to. Other suggestions I've heard are yogurt (probably easier on the skin) and bleach (probably worse). Meanwhile, do not under any circumstances remove or insert contact lenses. Don't ask me how I know this...

[kchurchill5]

I use milk, yogurt too, cottage cheese, anything creamy works best. I got some in my eye last week by a habanero ... OUCH! Well used some milk and worked pretty good.

Scrub hands with lemon, vinegar or rub with oil before cutting. The oil is hard but just the sent helps to avoid the burn.

Cutting doesn't bother me but if I touch my mouth or eyes ... yes.

[Davwud]

Try to avoid using the bathroom for the next couple hours too.

Don't ask me how I know that one.....

DT

[Paulustrious]

I'm in the mood for love....

[alanbarnes]

Gives "hot and bothered" a whole new meaning, don't it?

[gryphonskeeper]

I washed my hands in mayo, and it worked for me.

[nkeane]

Finally! A use for Mayo!:-)