Pepper spray, also known as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, contains capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. This potent irritant causes immediate, intense burning sensations, eye closure, temporary blindness, and respiratory distress. Knowing the proper steps for decontamination is necessary for managing the immediate pain and preventing prolonged discomfort, as the oily nature of capsaicin makes it difficult to remove.
Immediate Actions Upon Exposure
The first response is to immediately move away from the irritant source and seek fresh air. If possible, relocate to an area with a breeze, ensuring you are facing into the wind to carry the residual spray away. Maintaining composure helps, as panic increases your heart rate and can cause deeper inhalation, exacerbating respiratory effects.
Focus on taking short, shallow breaths through your mouth to minimize inhaling the oily capsaicin particles that can irritate the throat and lungs. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes and the affected skin. Rubbing spreads the oil-based irritant and embeds it deeper into your pores, intensifying the burning sensation. If you wear contact lenses, remove them safely, but only after flushing your eyes, as the lenses trap the irritating agent.
Step-by-Step Decontamination
Recovery involves a thorough decontamination process to remove the oily capsaicin from the skin, eyes, and clothing. Since capsaicin is not water-soluble, rinsing with plain water alone will only dilute the irritant, not remove it. Use cool water, as warm or hot water causes skin pores to open, allowing the capsaicin to penetrate deeper and increasing the burning sensation.
To decontaminate the eyes, use a continuous stream of cool, clean water or a saline solution to flush them for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. Direct the water flow from the inner corner of the eye outward to prevent the spray from washing back across the face. Vigorously blinking stimulates tear production, which assists in washing the irritant from the corneal surface.
For the skin, the goal is to break down the oily oleoresin capsicum using a surfactant, such as soap, that can emulsify the oil. Gently wash the affected areas using a non-oil-based soap, like mild dish soap or baby shampoo, with cool water. Detergents are effective because they are formulated to cut grease and oil, helping to lift the capsaicin from the skin’s surface. Do not scrub the skin, as this irritates it further; repeat the gentle washing until the burning sensation subsides.
Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately to prevent re-contamination of your skin and spreading the irritant. If possible, cut the clothing off rather than pulling it over your head to protect your eyes and face. Place the clothes into a sealed plastic bag, then wash them separately from all other laundry using a heavy-duty detergent.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Managing Lingering Effects
While the effects of pepper spray are temporary, certain signs necessitate immediate medical attention. Seek medical care if you experience severe difficulty breathing, persistent wheezing, or chest pain, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Medical intervention is required if eye pain or redness persists for more than an hour after extensive flushing, or if you notice changes in vision, such as light sensitivity or flashes.
Following decontamination, immediate symptoms generally start to subside within 20 to 45 minutes, though a mild residual burning sensation can linger for several hours. The skin may appear red and irritated, and temporary vision impairment or a persistent cough may occur. For the next 24 hours, avoid applying makeup, lotions, or abrasive products to the affected skin, as this can trap or re-activate residual capsaicin.
To manage throat irritation from inhalation, cool fluids or sucking on ice chips can provide some relief. A steamy shower may help with minor respiratory symptoms. The main treatment for lingering effects remains time and continued cool, gentle flushing of the affected areas as needed. In rare cases, complications such as corneal abrasions, severe skin blistering, or prolonged respiratory issues can occur, making symptom monitoring important.