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The compound capsaicin, responsible for the irresistible heat of jalapeno peppers, is also the culprit behind the burning sensation when it comes into contact with your skin. If your hands feel like they're on fire after chopping chili peppers, don't panic! You can safely and effectively neutralize capsaicin using common household items.
Steps to follow
Mix capsaicin with olive oil
Rub olive oil on your hands. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into one of your palms, then gently rub your hands together. Be sure to spread the oil evenly across your fingers, palms, and the backs of your hands.
- Capsaicin dissolves more effectively in oil than in water. In fact, if you only wash your hands with water, it could make things worse, as capsaicin will spread instead of being cleaned off!
- You can also use vegetable oil as an alternative to olive oil.
Massage oil under your fingernails. Capsaicin can accumulate under your nails, sticking there and causing irritation even after you've thoroughly scrubbed your hands. Try to massage the oil under your nails as thoroughly as possible.
- Twist the corner of a paper towel into a point and dip it in oil. Gently slide the oiled towel tip underneath your nails. The oil will dissolve the capsaicin hidden in the corners.
- Consider trimming your nails to remove any remaining chili oil residue.
Wash off the oil from your hands with soap and water. Repeat the process several times if necessary to completely remove the oil from your hands. Be sure to clean any remaining oil beneath your nails.
- It is better to use dishwashing liquid instead of regular hand soap. Dishwashing liquid is formulated to break down grease on dishes and will help remove the oil from your hands more effectively.
- Olive oil has the additional benefit of moisturizing dry skin, so you might notice your hands feel softer after washing!
Wash with alcohol or a diluted bleach solution.
Soak your hands in a bowl of rubbing alcohol to quickly soothe the burning sensation. Pour some rubbing alcohol into a bowl and dip your hands in. Rub your hands together, ensuring the alcohol covers your entire hands and wrists.
- Alcohol helps dissolve the capsaicin in the jalapeno oil, similar to the effect of olive oil.
- You don’t need to immerse your hands for a long period. Remove them once the alcohol has covered both hands.
- If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can also use high-proof liquor like vodka!
Dip your hands into a diluted bleach solution if you don't have alcohol. Instead of alcohol, mix 5 parts water with 1 part bleach in a bowl or a larger container. Dip your hands into the solution and pull them out immediately. Bleach can cause serious burns and irritation if left on the skin for too long, so you must be cautious. Bleach will react with the capsaicin in the jalapeno oil on your skin. This reaction neutralizes the irritating components.
- Bleach is a strong chemical that can bleach clothes, so be extremely careful when pouring it into a bowl. To protect your clothes, wear old clothes or an apron to prevent bleach from splashing on your garments.
- It’s best to mix the bleach in the kitchen sink or bathroom to avoid the risk of bleach spilling on items like carpets or towels.
Wash your hands and apply moisturizer. After washing your hands with alcohol or bleach, clean the chili oil off your hands and wrists with soap and water. Both alcohol and bleach can dry out your skin quickly, so it’s best to use a gentle hand soap instead of dishwashing liquid.
- You might need to wash your hands several times to completely get rid of the bleach smell!
- After washing, apply moisturizer to restore the natural moisture in your skin, which might have been lost due to the chemicals.
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Mix a solution of water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Combine 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Stir with a fork to blend and break up any clumps of baking soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide works by affecting the structure of capsaicin molecules, neutralizing the irritating components.
- Baking soda helps absorb the capsaicin oil and activates the hydrogen peroxide.
Soak your hands in the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture. Dip your hands into the mixture to ensure both hands are fully covered. Rub your hands together to spread the solution between your fingers.
- Soak your hands in the mixture for about 1 minute before removing them.
- Hydrogen peroxide can stain clothes, so avoid getting the solution on fabric. Consider wearing an apron to protect your clothes when handling the mixture.
Wash the mixture off your hands with soap and water. Wait for the mixture to dry, then rub soap into your hands and create lather by rubbing them together. Hold your hands under running water to rinse off the solution.
- Scrub around and beneath your nails while washing. The particles in the mixture will help remove any remaining jalapeno oil beneath your nails.
- The remaining jalapeno oil will dissolve and wash away with the soap and water.
