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The Removal of Oleoresin Capsicum Spray

Oleoresin capsicum spray, or pepper spray, is commonly used for self-defense both in urban areas and in places with high concentrations of certain types of wildlife, like bears. If you are accidentally smeared with pepper spray, there are a number of ways to neutralize the spray and minimize its effects. Unlike tear gas, pepper spray tends to remain an active irritant for between a half hour and several hours after being sprayed. Different people react differently to pepper spray, so the effectiveness of these treatments will depend on how a person has reacted to being sprayed.

  1. Rubbing

    • A natural reaction to being sprayed with pepper spray is to rub the affected area. Don't. Applying friction to the skin will only increase the burning sensation by opening up capillaries, thus increasing the burning sensation. If sprayed with pepper spray, try not to rub those areas.

    Milk

    • One way to neutralize the burn of the pepper spray is to apply whole milk to the skin. Either splash whole milk on the affected area or put the milk in a spray bottle to apply. Covering the area with milk using a saturated towel can also work well, as can submerging the area in a bowl of whole milk. Although whole milk can reduce the burning sensation, it does little to actually remove the irritant.

    Dish Soap

    • A mixture of 25 percent Dawn dish soap and 75 percent water works well to actually remove the irritant from the affected area. Mix about a gallon total. To effectively treat an accidental pepper spray, you will need to wash the skin seven or eight times. Using cold water also can help reduce irritation during decontamination.

      If sprayed in the face, immerse your face in a bowl filled with the soap mixture for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the detergent to start breaking down the oils in the pepper spray. Don't begin to wipe your face until you have soaked your face repeatedly. After four or five times, wipe your face with a towel soaked in the dish soap solution. Keep doing this for between 15 and 45 minutes until most of the burning sensation has subsided. The length of time required will depend on your skin type and the type of pepper spray.

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