Pepper spray, also known as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, uses the active ingredient capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, to cause temporary incapacitation. This oil-based inflammatory agent works by activating pain receptors in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms like immediate eye closure, temporary blindness, burning skin, and difficulty breathing appear instantly upon contact. Rapid action is necessary to minimize the duration of discomfort and prevent further irritation.
Immediate First Steps After Exposure
The moment you realize you have been exposed, your first priority is to move away from the source of the spray and seek fresh air in an open or well-ventilated area. Pepper spray particles linger, meaning staying in the contaminated zone will prolong the burning sensation and respiratory distress. If you are indoors, get outside or turn on fans and open windows to increase air circulation.
Resist the urge to rub your eyes or wipe your skin, as this action pushes the oily capsaicin deeper into the pores and spreads the irritant. Rubbing also leads to secondary contamination via your hands. Instead, try to remain calm and focus on controlling your breathing, taking slow, deliberate breaths. Rapid, excessive blinking can help encourage tear production, which is the body’s natural attempt to flush the chemical out of the eyes.
Effective Decontamination Methods
Decontamination must address the fact that the active ingredients are oil-based, meaning water alone will not effectively dissolve them. The process should begin with immediate flushing of the eyes to prevent potential complications like corneal abrasions. Tilt your head under a cool, gentle stream of water, directing the flow from the inside corner of the eye outward.
Continue to flush the eyes continuously for at least 10 to 15 minutes, blinking frequently throughout the process to wash away the capsaicinoids. If you wear contact lenses, remove and discard them immediately, as the oily residue cannot be reliably cleaned. For the skin, wash the affected area gently with cool water and a mild, non-oil-based soap, such as dish soap or baby shampoo.
Use cool water for washing, as hot water can open up your pores, allowing the capsaicin to absorb deeper and intensify the burning sensation. Wash the exposed skin thoroughly multiple times, using a gentle, patting motion and avoiding scrubbing or friction. Remove all contaminated clothing, cutting off items that must be pulled over the head to prevent re-contamination. Place the soiled clothing in a sealed plastic bag before laundering it separately in cold water.
Monitoring and When to Seek Medical Help
The extreme discomfort caused by pepper spray is generally temporary, and most symptoms subside significantly within 20 to 90 minutes of exposure. Expected transient symptoms include intense burning, temporary inability to open the eyes, coughing, a runny nose, and general panic.
Monitor your condition closely after decontamination, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or worsening difficulty breathing, persistent wheezing, or chest pain. These symptoms can indicate a serious respiratory reaction that may require professional intervention.
See a doctor if eye pain, redness, or blurred vision persists for more than two hours after flushing, or if you develop blistering or chemical burns on your skin. Symptoms that continue for several hours, especially past the 90-minute mark, warrant a medical evaluation. Never apply creams, ointments, or any oil-based products to the affected skin for at least six hours, as they can trap the capsaicin and reactivate the intense burning.