The intense, fiery discomfort commonly known as “chili burn” results from contact with capsaicin, the primary active compound found in chili peppers. This oily chemical is responsible for the heat sensation experienced when handling or preparing hot peppers. When capsaicin touches the skin, it triggers a painful reaction. This guide provides immediate and practical steps to neutralize the burn and find relief.
Why Capsaicin Causes Burning
Capsaicin causes a burning sensation because its molecular structure is highly lipid-soluble, meaning it dissolves readily in fats and oils. Once on the skin, capsaicin molecules bind to specialized nerve receptors called Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). These receptors are typically activated by actual heat and send pain signals to the brain. By binding to TRPV1, capsaicin tricks the nerves into thinking the skin is being burned. Understanding the oily nature of capsaicin is paramount to treatment. Because capsaicin is not water-soluble, rinsing the affected area with plain water is ineffective and can even spread the irritant, potentially worsening the sensation.
Immediate Topical Treatments
The most widely recommended treatment involves applying dairy products to the affected skin area. Milk, yogurt, or sour cream contain casein, a protein that acts as a natural detergent. Casein molecules surround and break down the capsaicin, allowing it to be washed away. For application, soak the affected skin in cold milk for several minutes, or apply a thick layer of yogurt, before gently rinsing with cool water.
Since capsaicin is lipid-soluble, applying another lipid source can effectively draw the compound off the skin. Common household cooking oils, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil, can be rubbed gently onto the burn. Peanut butter, which is high in natural oils, can also serve this purpose. The capsaicin transfers from the skin into the applied oil, mitigating the burning sensation.
This method requires a second step to remove the newly contaminated oil layer. Immediately after applying the fat, the skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and water to ensure the capsaicin is fully removed. Failure to cleanse the area after using oil prolongs the irritation.
Using liquid dish soap is effective because these products are formulated as degreasers designed to break down kitchen oils. The surfactants in the soap emulsify the capsaicin, allowing the compound to mix with water and be rinsed away. Multiple washes are usually necessary to eliminate the residual compound and achieve full relief. Use cool or lukewarm water during the washing process rather than hot water. Hot water can cause the skin’s pores to open slightly, which may allow the capsaicin to penetrate deeper into the skin layers, potentially prolonging the discomfort.
Prevention and Medical Attention
Preventing chili burn is the simplest approach when preparing spicy food, especially with high-heat peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers. Wearing protective nitrile or latex gloves creates an effective barrier between the skin and the capsaicin. Avoid touching sensitive areas, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, even after removing the gloves, until hands have been thoroughly cleaned.
While the burning sensation usually subsides within a few hours, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if the pain is intense, unrelenting, or accompanied by significant blistering. Immediate medical attention is also necessary if capsaicin is introduced into the eyes and flushing with cool water does not bring rapid relief or if vision becomes impaired.