How to Get Rid of Pepper Spray Burn

Pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum, is an oily residue extracted from chili peppers. It is often used for self-defense purposes by law enforcement officers or by citizens fending off an assault. The officer or victim aims a canister of pepper spray at the attacker's eyes to halt the assault. It is not a foolproof method; pepper spray may sometimes land on an innocent bystander. Pepper spray not only burns the eyes, it can also severely irritate a person's skin, mouth and respiratory tract. While you're waiting for the burn to completely wear off, take measures to alleviate your symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Vegetable oil
• Soap
• Milk
• Ice chips
• Bowl

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid rubbing your eyes or touching other sprayed areas. Doing so can spread the burn and intensify it.

• 2

  Evacuate the area where the pepper spray was used. For indoor areas, open nearby doors and windows for ventilation, then go outside to breathe cleaner air. If you experience irritation to your respiratory tract, run a hot shower and inhale the steam to alleviate your symptoms.

• 3

  Remove your clothes and put them in a plastic bag to avoid spreading the substance. Cover the affected skin with vegetable oil and let it stay there for five to 10 minutes. Wash the area with plenty of soap and water. The British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Center points out that you may need to repeat this a few times.

• 4

  Rinse out your mouth with water if you have accidentally ingested pepper spray. The British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Center recommends drinking a glass of milk or water. If this does not alleviate the burning in your mouth, place several ice chips in your mouth.

• 5

  Rinse your eyes immediately with lukewarm water for at least five minutes if they were exposed to pepper spray. Submerge your opened eyes in a bowl of water and repeatedly open and close your eyes. This is the preferable method to use when both eyes are affected. Alternatively, keep your eyes open while you pour a slow, steady stream of water over your eye. Pour the water in the direction from the inside corner out toward your ear.

• 6

  Call a poison control center if your symptoms persist, or have someone drive you to an emergency room.