How to eliminate chili spiciness

Chili and spicy hands can be relieved by rinsing with cold water, applying cooking oil, using vinegar or alcohol, applying white sugar or starch, and avoiding rubbing the eyes. The capsaicin in chili peppers can irritate the skin, and timely treatment can reduce the burning sensation.

1. Rinse with cold water

Immediately rinse the spicy area with flowing cold water for at least 10 minutes. Cold water can temporarily lower skin temperature, alleviate burning sensation, and flush away residual capsaicin. Avoid using hot water, as high temperatures can accelerate the spread of capsaicin and worsen pain.

2. Apply edible oil

Apply olive oil, peanut oil, and other edible oils to the affected area, let it stand for 2 minutes, and then wipe it clean. Oil can dissolve fat soluble capsaicin, reducing skin adhesion. This method is suitable for situations where capsaicin has already penetrated the skin, but attention should be paid to cleaning oil stains.

3. Use vinegar or alcohol

white vinegar or medical alcohol cotton pads to lightly apply to the skin. Acidic substances can neutralize alkaline capsaicin. Alcohol takes away heat when it evaporates, providing double relief from the stinging sensation. Alcohol should be avoided when skin is damaged, as it may cause secondary irritation.

4. Apply white sugar or starch

Mix white sugar or corn starch with water to form a paste and apply it externally. After drying, rinse off. Sugar can adsorb capsaicin, while starch forms a protective layer to isolate stimuli. This method is safer for children or sensitive skin, but the effect is slower.

5. Avoid rubbing the eyes

After handling hot hands, wash hands thoroughly to prevent capsaicin from transferring to the eye area. If accidentally touching the eyes, rinse immediately with saline solution and do not rub. The ocular mucosa is more sensitive to capsaicin, which may cause conjunctival congestion or temporary blurred vision.

It is recommended to wear gloves in daily contact with chilli, and avoid using skin care products containing essence within 24 hours after handling chilli. If there is persistent burning pain, redness, swelling, or blisters, it may be contact dermatitis and requires medical treatment. When cooking, you can first freeze the chili peppers to reduce their volatility, or choose a variety with lower spiciness as a substitute. maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier is key to preventing chili irritation, and timely use moisturizer to repair it after contact with irritating ingredients.