Capsaicin, the active compound in hot peppers, can cause a burning sensation and irritation on the skin. This is especially true if you happen to have a cut which can make the feeling even worse.
We’ve already discussed how to deal with eating spicy food in terms of what to drink and what to avoid. But what about when the spiciness you need to deal with isn’t in your mouth but on your skin?
There are several household items that can help to neutralize the effects of capsaicin and provide relief from the burning sensation.
Neutralizing hot peppers on your skin
Here are some suggestions to quickly deal with hot peppers that have touched your skin.
- Milk: Soaking the affected area in milk can help to neutralize the capsaicin and provide relief from the burning sensation. The casein protein in milk can bind to the capsaicin and help to remove it from the skin.
- Vegetable oil: Applying vegetable oil to the affected area can help to dissolve and dilute the capsaicin, which can reduce the burning sensation. Olive oil, coconut oil, and canola oil are all good options.
- Soap and water: Washing the affected area with soap and water can help to remove the capsaicin from the skin. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Baking soda: Mixing baking soda with water to make a paste and applying it to the affected area can help to neutralize the capsaicin and reduce the burning sensation.
- Vinegar: Applying vinegar to the affected area can help to neutralize the capsaicin and provide relief from the burning sensation. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both good options.
It’s important to note that different people may have different levels of sensitivity to capsaicin, so it’s always a good idea to take precautions when handling hot peppers. Wearing gloves and avoiding touching your face or eyes can help to prevent irritation.
What peppers burn the skin the most?
The peppers that burn the skin the most are those that contain high levels of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the “heat” in spicy foods. Here are some of the peppers that are known to cause the most intense burning sensation on the skin:
- Carolina Reaper: This pepper is currently the hottest pepper in the world, with a Scoville heat unit rating of up to 2.2 million. It can cause intense burning and pain if it comes into contact with the skin.
- Ghost Pepper: Also known as Bhut Jolokia, this pepper has a Scoville heat unit rating of up to 1 million and can cause intense burning and pain on the skin.
- Habanero Pepper: This pepper has a Scoville heat unit rating of up to 350,000 and can cause intense burning and pain on the skin.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: This pepper has a Scoville heat unit rating of up to 350,000 and can cause intense burning and pain on the skin.
- Jalapeño Pepper: While not as hot as the peppers listed above, jalapeño peppers can still cause skin irritation and burning, especially if they come into contact with sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth.
It is important to handle these peppers with care, wear gloves if necessary, and avoid touching your face or other sensitive areas after handling them.
If you experience skin irritation or burning after coming into contact with a hot pepper, you should wash the affected area with cool water and seek medical attention if necessary.