How to Alleviate Burns From Peppers

Hot chili peppers add spice and flavor to many types of food. However, if you have ever made the mistake of cutting peppers without skin protection, you know the unpleasant burning sensation that results. This discomfort can be difficult to relieve. The sensation is due to a chemical within the oil of the pepper known as capsaicin. High concentrations of this chemical can be toxic. So, caution should be used whenever working with hot peppers. If an accidental exposure does occur, household items can help alleviate the burning.

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Soap

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wash the affected area with cool water and a mild soap. The water will not completely cool the burning sensation, but it will remove any of the remaining pepper oil from the surface of the skin. Removing any capsaicin from the surface of the skin as quickly as possible will prevent it from seeping into the skin and exacerbating the situation.

• 2

  Soak the affected area in milk or yogurt for ten minutes. High fat diary products contain high amounts of casein, a chemical that neutralizes capsaicin.

• 3

  Wash the affected area with soap and cool water. Inspect the area looking for blisters, redness, and swelling. Contact your health care provider or Poison Control, if any signs of a severe reaction to the capsaicin are seen.