Pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense tool designed for temporary incapacitation. It contains capsaicinoids, chemical compounds from chili peppers, with capsaicin as the primary active ingredient. Upon contact, these compounds trigger an intense burning sensation and discomfort. Knowing how to alleviate these effects is essential.
Immediate Steps for Relief
Moving to an area with fresh air is the first step to reduce immediate effects. This minimizes inhalation of the irritant, which can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Remaining calm and breathing slowly also helps manage panic and reduce airway irritation.
Flush affected areas, especially eyes and skin, with plenty of cool water. Cool water dilutes capsaicinoids and washes them away, providing immediate relief. For eye exposure, continuously flush with cool water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes.
During eye flushing, keep eyes open despite the intense burning, and blink rapidly to dislodge the irritant. If wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately with clean fingers and discard, as they can trap capsaicinoids and prolong irritation.
After initial flushing, gently wash affected skin with non-oil-based soap and cool water. Capsaicin is an oil-based substance, and soap breaks down the oily residue, allowing it to be washed away more effectively than water alone. Avoid rubbing; instead, allow soapy water to run over the area.
Carefully remove any contaminated clothing, jewelry, or other items. Cutting off contaminated clothing, rather than pulling it over the head, prevents further exposure to the eyes and face. Handle these items with gloves and seal them in a plastic bag to prevent re-contamination.
Actions to Avoid
Avoid rubbing or touching any affected areas on the skin or face. Rubbing spreads capsaicin, intensifying the burning sensation and potentially moving the irritant to unaffected areas, including mucous membranes. This can also further irritate sensitive skin and eyes.
Do not apply oil-based substances like lotions, creams, or petroleum jelly to affected skin. Capsaicin is oil-soluble, meaning these products can trap the irritant against the skin, prolonging the burning sensation and hindering its removal. Traditional remedies like milk or other oils may soothe but do not effectively remove the irritant; always follow with thorough soap and water washing.
Avoid using hot water for flushing or showering. Hot water can cause skin pores to open, increasing capsaicin absorption and worsening the burning sensation. Stick to cool or lukewarm water to constrict pores and provide a cooling effect.
Avoid using harsh cleansers, abrasive scrubs, or strong chemicals like rubbing alcohol on the skin. These products can damage the skin’s natural barrier, leading to increased irritation, pain, and potential for injury. Gentle, non-oil-based soap and water are sufficient for decontamination.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While pepper spray effects are usually temporary, lasting 20 to 90 minutes, medical attention is necessary in certain situations. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen significantly beyond this timeframe, particularly after thorough decontamination.
Immediate medical attention is required for severe respiratory distress. This includes persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis). Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD are at higher risk for serious breathing complications and should be evaluated promptly.
Eye injuries also warrant professional medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve. This includes extreme eye pain, vision changes, persistent redness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, which could indicate a corneal abrasion. Any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, widespread swelling (especially of the face or throat), or a severe rash, necessitate immediate medical assessment. Individuals with known allergies to peppers or other severe allergies may be more susceptible to such reactions. If pepper spray has been ingested, even in small amounts, medical consultation is advised.