Mace, a term often used to describe various self-defense sprays, typically refers to products containing Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), commonly known as pepper spray. The active components are oily compounds called capsaicinoids, derived from chili peppers, which act as powerful inflammatory agents. Exposure causes immediate and intense irritation, burning pain on the skin and eyes, profuse tearing, and respiratory distress. Understanding the proper steps for relief and decontamination is necessary to mitigate the temporary but severe effects.
Immediate Actions to Minimize Exposure
The first priority following exposure is to immediately move out of the contaminated area and into an environment with fresh, circulating air. Remaining in the vicinity allows the irritant to settle further onto the skin and be inhaled, prolonging the symptoms. If the spray occurred indoors, exit the building quickly, or at minimum, move toward an open window or door.
Resist the natural instinct to rub the eyes or wipe the skin, as this action mechanically pushes the oily capsaicinoids deeper into the pores and spreads the irritant to unaffected areas. Remove and discard contact lenses immediately, as they can trap the chemical directly against the cornea.
Forcefully blink the eyes repeatedly to encourage excessive tearing. Tears are the body’s natural mechanism for flushing foreign materials from the eye surface, and the increased fluid production helps wash away some of the initial capsaicinoid particles. Contaminated clothing should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent the irritant from transferring back onto the skin.
Chemical Decontamination Methods
Decontamination must focus on the physical removal of the oily capsaicinoids, which are not water-soluble. Begin by flushing the affected skin and eyes with copious amounts of cool, running water for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. Using cool water is important because hot water can open the pores, potentially allowing the irritant to penetrate deeper into the tissue.
Decontamination requires a surfactant, a compound that helps break down and suspend the oily capsaicinoids so they can be washed away. A mild, oil-free soap, such as liquid dish soap or baby shampoo, is highly effective for this purpose. Gently lather the contaminated skin areas, avoiding aggressive scrubbing that can exacerbate the irritation.
When flushing the eyes, hold the eyelids open beneath a steady, gentle stream of cool water. The water should flow from the inside corner of the eye outward to avoid washing the chemical into the unaffected eye or ear canal. Continue the soap-and-water decontamination process until the burning sensation begins to noticeably subside, which may take repeated applications.
Relieving Lingering Discomfort
Even after a thorough decontamination, a residual burning sensation and inflammation will persist because the capsaicinoids bind to pain receptors. These lingering symptoms are typically self-limiting and often resolve completely within 30 minutes to an hour, although minor discomfort can last several hours. Symptom management focuses on comfort and reducing inflammation.
Applying a cool compress, such as a cloth soaked in cool water, to the affected facial areas can provide significant relief by helping to soothe the burning sensation. Directing a fan or a cool breeze across the irritated skin also helps by providing a continuous source of relief through air movement. Avoid applying any creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the skin.
These products can trap the remaining irritant against the skin, prolonging the burning and potentially leading to blistering or chemical burns. Focus on remaining calm and patient, as the panic response can intensify the perceived effects of the chemical. Sip cool fluids to help soothe any irritation felt in the throat or respiratory passages.
Seeking Professional Medical Help
While the effects of capsaicinoids are usually temporary, certain red flags necessitate immediate professional medical attention. The most serious concern is any persistent difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or wheezing, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These symptoms indicate a potentially severe inflammatory reaction in the airways.
Seek a medical evaluation if, after 15 to 20 minutes of continuous flushing, the eye pain remains severe, or if there is persistent vision impairment or excessive eye swelling. Individuals who were wearing contact lenses and did not remove them quickly should also seek an eye examination.
Furthermore, if the skin develops blistering, signs of an allergic reaction, or if the initial redness and burning do not begin to noticeably improve within a few hours, a medical consultation is warranted. The majority of exposures are minor, but prompt assessment is necessary to prevent complications from severe inflammation or secondary injuries.