Getting chili pepper burn on your hands after chopping is common—it feels like fire. So how can you relieve that burning sensation? Here are some effective methods to ease chili pepper burn on your hands.
1. Capsaicin dissolves in ethanol and alkaline aqueous solutions but not in cold water.In industry, capsaicin is extracted from chili peppers using food-grade alcohol as a solvent. Applying this principle at home, you can dissolve capsaicin on your hands by rubbing them with alcohol. After cutting chili peppers, use an alcohol swab to wipe your hands in one direction, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Repeat this process three times until the burning sensation subsides.
Rubbing your hands with white liquor followed by rinsing with clean water will quickly relieve the stinging pain.
2. Vinegar is acidic and can neutralize capsaicin. Washing hands with a small amount of vinegar can alleviate the burning sensation. If neither medical alcohol nor vinegar is available, washing hands with hot water or briefly holding them over a flame is also effective. Capsaicin produces irritating vapors at high temperatures. While less effective than alcohol or vinegar, this method works better than cold water.
Rub a little vinegar on your hands to stop the burning. The substance in chili peppers that causes heat is called capsaicin, and vinegar's acidity can neutralize the discomfort it creates.
3. Soaking your hands in soapy water also works well to relieve the pain.
4. Applying a bit of toothpaste is also effective—I've tested this myself.
If you're worried about getting your hands burned, it's best to take preventive measures before cutting chili peppers. For instance, wear gloves while cutting them. If you don't wear gloves, rub a little white vinegar or oil on your hands before handling the peppers.