Pepper spray (OC spray, or Oleoresin Capsicum) is a powerful inflammatory agent used for self-defense and crowd control. The intense, immediate pain is caused by capsaicin, the active ingredient derived from chili peppers. Capsaicinoids bind directly to the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) pain receptors on sensory nerve endings in the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. This action signals a severe burning sensation, making exposure debilitating.
Stop the Spread: Initial Critical Actions
Immediately move away from the contaminated area and into fresh, open air. Taking slow, controlled breaths helps manage the immediate respiratory irritation and prevents panic. Do not rub the affected skin or eyes, as this drives the oil-based capsaicin deeper into the pores and tissues, intensifying the pain and prolonging the effects.
Quickly remove any contaminated items to prevent continued exposure and cross-contamination. This includes glasses, jewelry, and especially contact lenses, which must be discarded immediately. Contaminated clothing should be taken off with care, avoiding pulling it over the head; ideally, cut it away to prevent the irritant from brushing against unaffected skin. Seal these items in a plastic bag and wash them separately using gloves before handling them again.
The Decontamination Protocol for Skin and Eyes
The focus shifts to physically removing the oily capsaicin from the skin and eyes. Begin decontamination by washing affected skin areas with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water entirely because heat opens the pores, allowing capsaicinoids to penetrate further and increasing the burning sensation.
The oil-based irritant requires a fat-dissolving cleanser, such as mild dish soap or a specialized decontaminant. Gently lather the affected skin using a non-abrasive, oil-dissolving agent, using a gentle dabbing motion instead of scrubbing. Scrubbing can damage tissue and force the capsaicin deeper, so cleaning must be thorough yet delicate. Rinse the area with copious amounts of cool water and repeat the washing process several times until the burning sensation subsides.
Eye exposure requires continuous flushing with cool water or a sterile saline solution for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Position the head so the water stream flows from the inner corner of the eye, near the nose, outward toward the temple. This prevents contaminated water from running into the unaffected eye or onto other parts of the face. While flushing, blinking repeatedly assists in dislodging and washing away remaining particles.
Symptom Management and Medical Necessity
After successful decontamination, the most intense symptoms should begin to subside. Irritation and pain typically resolve within 30 to 60 minutes of exposure and proper cleaning. To manage lingering burning or redness, a cool, wet compress provides temporary relief. Avoid applying oils, lotions, or creams to the irritated skin, as these can trap the oil-based capsaicin and potentially cause prolonged irritation.
While most exposures are self-limiting, certain symptoms require immediate professional medical attention. Seek immediate medical attention for severe or persistent respiratory distress (wheezing, chest pain, or prolonged difficulty breathing), especially if you have pre-existing conditions like asthma. Medical evaluation is also warranted if eye pain, blurry vision, or irritation persists for longer than two hours, as this may indicate a corneal abrasion or other complications.