Capsaicin, the same chemical compound that gives chili that incredible taste charge, causes an intense burning sensation when it comes into contact with the skin. If you have hands that burn after touching the chopped chili, don't panic. Capsaicin is an oily chemical compound that you can safely and effectively remove using some commonly used products.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Olive Oil
Step 1. Grease your hands with olive oil
Pour a tablespoon into your palm and gently massage it into your hands. Make sure to distribute it evenly everywhere: between the fingers, on the palms and on the back of both hands.
- Capsaicin dissolves more easily in oil than in water. If you just rinse your hands with water, you risk spreading the capsaicin rather than eliminating it, so the burning may spread to other places instead of lessening.
- If you prefer, you can use seed oil instead of olive oil.
Step 2. Massage the oil under your nails
Capsaicin may be trapped under the nails, continuing to cause irritation and burning, even after washing your hands thoroughly. Massage the oil well into your fingertips and under your nails.
- Roll a corner of a paper handkerchief to give it a pointed shape, then dip it in the oil. Slide the end of the handkerchief under your nails gently. In this way the capsaicin residues will be dissolved by the oil.
- If you want, you can cut your nails to get rid of the last remaining capsaicin.
Step 3. Wash the olive oil off your hands with soap and water
Soap and rinse them several times, until they are perfectly clean. Make sure there is no oil residue under your nails.
- To make it quicker, you can use dish soap instead of regular soap. Being formulated to remove significant amounts of grease from dirty dishes, it will be able to remove oil from your hands much more quickly.
- Olive oil offers a double benefit, as it has the ability to moisturize dry skin, so your hands will be soft and perfectly clean.
Method 2 of 3: Use Alcohol or Diluted Bleach
Step 1. Dip your hands in a bowl full of alcohol to find quick relief from the burning
Pour 250ml of disinfectant alcohol into a small bowl and soak your hands. Rub your hands together vigorously, making sure they are completely covered in alcohol.
- Alcohol will behave similarly to olive oil, dissolving the capsaicin contained in the oil released by the chili on the skin.
- It is not necessary to soak your hands in alcohol for a long time. When they are completely covered in alcohol, you can remove them from the bowl.
- If you don't have disinfectant alcohol at home, you can replace it with a high-alcohol liquor, such as vodka.
Step 2. Soak your hands in a bleach solution if you don't have the disinfectant alcohol
As an alternative to alcohol, you can use a solution prepared with 5 parts water and 1 part bleach. Mix the two liquids in a bowl or large container, then dip your hands in the solution for just a moment. Even diluted, bleach can cause burns and severe skin irritation, so be careful and don't keep your hands in the water for long. When the bleach comes into contact with the capsaicin, a chemical reaction will be triggered that will neutralize its irritating effect.
- Bleach is a harsh chemical compound that discolors fabrics, so handle it with extreme care when pouring it into the bowl. You should wear an old shirt or apron to protect your clothing from any splashes.
- Prepare the diluted solution inside the kitchen or bathroom sink to reduce the risk of the bleach coming into contact with rugs, towels, or other fabric items.
Step 3. Wash your hands and apply a moisturizer
After soaking them in alcohol or diluted bleach, wash them gently with soap and water to remove any remaining capsaicin residue. Don't forget to wash your wrists too. Since both alcohol and bleach can quickly dehydrate the skin, it's best to use a mild hand soap and avoid dish soap.
- You may need to rewash your hands several times before you can completely remove the bleach smell from your skin.
- The chemicals used may have made the skin very dry, so massage a moisturizer into your hands after washing them.
Method 3 of 3: Use Bicarbonate and Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Create a pasty mixture of water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide
Pour half a teaspoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide into a container. Break up any lumps of baking soda and gradually mix the ingredients by mixing them with a fork.
- Hydrogen peroxide alters the structure of capsaicin molecules, neutralizing their irritating power.
- In addition to activating the hydrogen peroxide, the bicarbonate has the ability to absorb part of the essential oil released by the chili pepper in which the capsaicin is contained.
Step 2. Dip your hands into the pasty mixture
Distribute it over your hands, making sure it covers them completely up to the wrists. Rub them together to reach even the spaces between your fingers.
- Leave the mixture on the skin for about 1 minute.
- Hydrogen peroxide can stain fabrics, so be careful with clothing, rugs, and towels. Wear an apron to protect your clothes as you prepare and use the hydrogen peroxide blend.
Step 3. Wash your hands with soap and water
Let the pasty mixture dry on your skin, then scrub your hands together with soap until foam forms. Hold your hands under running water to rinse them off the soap.
- Rub the area around and under your nails while washing your hands. Thanks to the grainy consistency of the baking soda, you will be able to easily remove even the last remaining capsaicin residues.
- The last residues of the oil released by the pepper will be dissolved by the water and soap.
