The term “Mace” often refers generically to defense sprays, but the most common agent used today is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), also known as pepper spray. The active ingredient is capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, which acts as a powerful inflammatory agent on contact with mucous membranes and skin. Exposure results in immediate, intense burning sensations, involuntary eye closure, temporary blindness, and respiratory irritation, causing temporary incapacitation. Since capsaicin is oil-based, it adheres strongly to the skin, requiring immediate decontamination to minimize severe discomfort.
Immediate Safety Actions
Immediately move out of the contaminated area and seek fresh, uncontaminated air. OC particles can linger, and continued exposure will worsen symptoms and recovery time. Finding a safe, well-ventilated space will help you control your breathing, which is often shallow and panicked following exposure.
Resist the instinct to rub your eyes or wipe your face, as this mechanical action spreads the oil-based capsaicin across the skin and deeper into the eyes. Spreading the irritant prolongs the burning sensation and makes cleaning more difficult. Instead of rubbing, focus on blinking rapidly to stimulate tear production, which helps flush the irritant from the eye’s surface.
If wearing contact lenses, remove and discard them immediately, as they absorb capsaicin and cannot be cleaned. Quickly remove any contaminated clothing, especially items around the face and neck, to prevent the chemical from trapping heat against the skin. Keeping your breathing slow and controlled through your mouth can help reduce the hyperventilation and panic accompanying intense respiratory irritation.
Step-by-Step Decontamination Procedures
Effective decontamination requires flushing the oil-based irritant away from affected areas using cool water and mild cleaning agents. For the eyes, continuous irrigation with cool, clean water or a sterile saline solution is required for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a gentle stream and tilt your head so the water flows from the inner corner of the eye outward, ensuring the runoff does not contaminate the other eye or clean skin.
Once the eyes are flushed, wash the skin with a mild, oil-free soap, such as baby shampoo or grease-cutting dish soap, since capsaicin is an oily compound. Use cool water, not hot, because hot water opens the skin’s pores and allows more capsaicin to absorb, intensifying the burning sensation. Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel instead of scrubbing or rubbing, which can reignite the burning or damage irritated skin.
Approach showering carefully to avoid secondary contamination. Use cold water and keep your head tilted back, avoiding spraying contaminated areas onto clean skin. All contaminated clothing should be sealed in a plastic bag to prevent the irritant from transferring to other surfaces or people. Do not pull contaminated shirts or sweaters over your head; instead, cut them off to minimize contact with your face.
Addressing Persistent Symptoms and Recovery
Lingering effects are expected after decontamination, as capsaicin causes an inflammatory reaction in the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. The most severe effects, including pain and temporary vision impairment, typically subside within 20 to 30 minutes, though full recovery may take 60 to 90 minutes. Residual irritation, such as mild skin burning or eye redness, can last for several hours, or up to 24 hours if decontamination was incomplete.
Manage persistent skin burning by applying a cool compress to the affected areas to soothe inflammation. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or oil-based products to the skin, as these can trap capsaicin and prolong the burning. If temporary blindness or blurry vision persists, rest your eyes and keep the area cool, as involuntary rubbing can sometimes cause corneal abrasions.
Respiratory symptoms like coughing, a tight chest, or shortness of breath are common due to inflammation of the mucous membranes. Focusing on slow, deliberate breaths helps manage the sensation of restricted breathing, and sipping cool water may soothe a persistent cough. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD must be particularly vigilant, as these respiratory effects can be more pronounced and severe.
Medical Attention and Follow-Up Care
While the effects of OC spray are generally temporary, seeking medical attention is necessary in specific instances to prevent complications. Immediately seek care if you experience severe or worsening difficulty breathing, especially with an underlying respiratory condition. Persistent severe eye pain, blurred vision, or an inability to open the eyes lasting beyond 30 to 60 minutes after decontamination also warrants medical evaluation.
Medical attention is required if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, blistering on the skin, or swelling of the lips and throat. If the skin develops sunburn-like redness or blistering that persists for more than an hour after cleaning, this may indicate a chemical burn requiring treatment. If any symptoms do not fully resolve within a 24-hour period, follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure there is no lasting damage.