Mace, or Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, is a non-lethal chemical irritant designed to temporarily incapacitate a person. The active ingredient, capsaicin, causes a severe burning sensation upon contact with skin and mucous membranes. When exposed to the eyes, the neurogenic inflammation causes involuntary closure, intense pain, excessive tearing, and temporary blindness. Immediate, calm action is necessary to minimize the effects of this oil-based substance.
Immediate First Steps After Exposure
The first priority upon exposure is to move immediately to an area with fresh, uncontaminated air. Focusing on breathing and remaining as calm as possible is important because panic can increase the heart rate. Resist the urge to rub the eyes or face, as this mechanical action can drive the chemical deeper into the skin and cause corneal abrasions.
Instead of rubbing, use forced, rapid blinking to stimulate tear production, which is the body’s natural flushing mechanism. Since the capsaicin compound is an oil, tearing helps wash the substance away from the surface of the eye. Keep your hands away from the affected area until they have been thoroughly cleaned to prevent re-contamination.
Proper Techniques for Decontamination
Sustained irrigation is the most effective method for removing the irritant from the eyes and skin. Begin flushing the eyes immediately with large quantities of cool, clean water or a sterile saline solution for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is continuous rinsing; keep the eyelids open as much as possible, flushing from the inner corner of the eye outward to avoid washing the chemical into the other eye.
For contaminated skin, use a mild, non-oil-based soap, such as baby shampoo or dish soap, along with cold water. These soaps contain surfactants that help break down the oily capsaicin compound, which water alone struggles to remove. Gently wash the skin, avoiding scrubbing, and ensure you do not get the soap into the eyes during the process.
Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, as these fabrics can hold the irritant and cause re-exposure. If clothing must be pulled over the head, cut it off instead to prevent dragging the chemical across the face and eyes. If you were wearing contact lenses, remove and discard them immediately because they can trap the OC spray residue against the eye’s surface.
When Medical Attention is Required
While the intense effects of exposure usually subside within 30 to 60 minutes, specific symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek professional care if you experience persistent changes in vision, such as severe blurring, double vision, or increased light sensitivity. Extreme pain that does not begin to subside after 45 minutes of continuous decontamination is also a signal that professional help is needed.
Anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, should seek care if they develop severe difficulty breathing or wheezing. Medical attention is also necessary if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips or throat, or if the skin develops blistering or chemical burns. If the exposure involved a high concentration, an ophthalmologist should assess the eyes for potential corneal damage.