Mace, which contains the chemical oleoresin capsicum (OC) from chili peppers, causes immediate and severe pain by activating the TRPV1 pain receptors in the eyes. This leads to intense burning, involuntary eye closure, and profuse tearing. The first and most important rule is to resist the urge to rub the eyes. Rubbing spreads the oily irritant across the eye’s surface and risks causing corneal abrasions, which prolong recovery.
Immediate Priority Actions
The first action after exposure is to move immediately away from the source and into an area with fresh, uncontaminated air. The irritant can linger, continuing to affect the eyes and respiratory system, so minimizing ongoing exposure is primary. Once safe, focus on continuous, rapid blinking to encourage tear production. This natural reflex is the body’s initial mechanism for flushing the oily residue.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them quickly, but only after washing your hands to avoid spreading the chemical. Contacts trap the OC residue against the corneal surface, worsening irritation; these lenses must be discarded. Contaminated clothing should also be removed to prevent re-exposure, ideally by cutting it off rather than pulling it over the head.
Effective Decontamination Methods
Flushing the eyes with copious amounts of cool water or a sterile saline solution is the most effective method for decontamination. Continuously irrigate the eyes for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to wash away the OC oil. Cool water is preferred because the temperature helps to soothe the intense burning sensation.
The correct technique involves using a low-pressure stream, such as a gentle shower or an eye wash station. Tilt your head back and direct the water stream across the bridge of your nose so it flows over both open eyes and down the sides of your face. Hold the eyelids open with your fingers to ensure the water reaches the entire surface of the eye, which may be difficult due to the involuntary muscle spasm (blepharospasm).
For the skin around the eyes and face, use a mild, non-oil-based soap, such as diluted baby shampoo, to help break down the oily OC residue. Apply carefully to avoid getting soap directly into the eyes, which causes further irritation. Avoid the misconception of using milk; there is no evidence that milk works better than water, and non-sterile fluids risk bacterial infection. Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based ointments, as these trap the oily irritant and prolong the burning sensation.
Urgent Medical Attention Indicators
While intense symptoms of mace exposure are usually temporary (lasting 10 to 30 minutes), certain indicators require immediate medical evaluation. Seek urgent care if severe, debilitating pain persists for more than 45 minutes despite continuous flushing. Symptoms should be noticeably improving within this timeframe.
Any significant change in vision, such as persistent blurring, double vision, or heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) that does not resolve quickly after irrigation, is a warning sign. Medical attention is necessary if you notice signs of a secondary infection, like increasing redness, discharge, or swelling in the days following exposure. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, who experience prolonged difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or wheezing must seek immediate medical assistance.