The same compound that makes jalapeno peppers so hot-capsaicin-can also leave a burning sensation on contact with the skin. If your hands are burning hot after chopping the jalapeno peppers, don't panic! The oil-like compound capsaicin can be safely and effectively removed using common household products.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dissolving Capsaicin with Olive Oil
Step 1. Coat your hands with olive oil
Pour a tablespoon of olive oil on your palms, then rub your hands gently. Make sure the entire surface of the fingers, palms, and backs of the hands are evenly coated with oil.
- Capsaicin is more soluble in oil than water. Rinsing your hands with water will only make things worse because the capsaicin will spread more, not less.
- You can replace olive oil with vegetable oil.
Step 2. Rub the oil under the nails
Capsaicin can get stuck under your nails, stick to it, and continue to cause irritation even after thoroughly washing your hands. Rub the oil under the nails as much as possible.
- Fold the corners of the paper towel until they are tapered, then dip them in the oil. Rub the tip of the oiled tissue under the nail. That way, the capsaicin hidden there will be dissolved by the oil.
- Also, trim your nails to remove any remaining jalapeno juice.
Step 3. Wash olive oil off your hands with soap and water
Repeat this process as many times as needed to thoroughly remove the oil from your hands. Also rinse the excess oil from under the nails.
- Use dish soap instead of regular hand soap. Dish soap is made to dislodge the concentrated grease on dirty dishes and will wash the grease off your hands more quickly.
- Olive oil has the added benefit of moisturizing dry skin. You may notice that your skin will feel softer afterwards.
Method 2 of 3: Rinsing Capsaicin with Alcohol or Diluted Bleach
Step 1. Soak your hands in a bowl of spiritus to relieve the heat immediately
Pour a glass of spiritus into a bowl, then soak your hands. Rub your hands together vigorously and make sure that the spirit coats the entire hand up to the wrist.
- Spiritus dissolves the capsaicin present in jalapeno peppers in the same way as olive oil.
- You don't have to soak your hands for too long. After completely covered with spiritus, just lift your hands from the bowl.
- You can also use a strong alcoholic drink such as vodka, if you don't have spirits.
Step 2. Dip your hands in the diluted bleach solution if you don't have spirits
Alternatively, you can mix 5 parts water with 1 part bleach in a large bowl or container. Dip your hands into the bleach solution and remove them immediately afterward. Bleach can cause severe burns and skin irritation if exposed to the skin long enough. So, be careful. Bleach will chemically react with the capsaicin present in the jalapeno oil that sticks to the skin. This reaction will neutralize the irritant.
- Bleach is a harsh chemical that can remove color from clothes. So, be careful when pouring it into the bowl. To protect yourself from splashes, wear an ugly shirt or apron to cover the clothes.
- It is better to prepare this mixture in the kitchen or bathroom sink to minimize the possibility of the bleach splashing onto the mat, towels, or carpet.
Step 3. Wash and moisten your hands
After rinsing your hands with alcohol or bleach, use soap and water to gently wash any remaining jalapeno oil off your hands and wrists. Alcohol and bleach can dry out your skin quickly. So, it's better to use a gentle hand sanitizer, not dish soap.
- You may need to wash your hands several times to completely remove the bleach odor.
- Apply moisturizer after washing your hands to restore the skin's natural moisture that may have been lost by chemicals.
Method 3 of 3: Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Make a paste by mixing water, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Mix teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Use a fork to gently stir the mixture and break up lumps of baking soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide affects the molecular structure of capsaicin and neutralizes irritants.
- The baking soda helps absorb the capsaicin oil while activating the hydrogen peroxide.
Step 2. Soak your hands in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Leave it in and make sure the paste covers your entire hand. Rub so that the paste coats all between your fingers evenly.
- Let your hands soak in the paste for about 1 minute, then remove.
- Hydrogen peroxide can stain clothes. So, keep the mixture away from the fabric. Wear an apron to protect clothes when mixing pasta.
Step 3. Wipe the paste off your hands with soap and water
Let the paste dry, then rub your hands with the soap to create a lather. Rinse your hands under running water to remove the paste.
- Rub around and under the nails. The gritty granules in the paste will help remove any remaining jalapeno oil under your nails.
- The remaining jalapeno oil will dissolve and wash off with soap and water.
