Hot peppers, or capsicums, contain an alkaloid called capsaicin, which is what makes chili peppers hot. It is not unusual for people to suffer from minor skin burns after touching the seeds and insides of a hot pepper. As such, precaution should be taken when handling chili peppers. If you are preparing a lot of them at once, wear disposable rubber gloves and dispose of the gloves after use. Also, wash your hands after handling the peppers even if you were wearing gloves. In the event of a burn, a few remedies can relieve the irritation.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with dishwashing soap to remove the capsaicin and soak your hands in icy water to soothe the burn. Alternatively, you can soak your hands in milk, cream or cottage cheese to alleviate the burning sensation. After soaking, apply a moisturizing cream or oil to the affected areas to keep the skin from becoming abrasive while the burn heals.
Remember to keep hands and fingers away from your eyes during this time, as any residual capsaicin can burn them, too, causing stinging pain.
Acid Treatments
Juice from a freshly cut lemon can also rid your skin of capsaicin and help promote healing. The acid from tomatoes works as well. Dilute tomato pulp in warm water and cooking oil and use as a soak. You should soak your hands up to an hour in the soaking options to treat the burns. Honey has also been know to relieve the burning sensation, so apply it liberally to the affected areas.
Pain Killers
To reduce the pain while treating the burns, take an over-the-counter pain killer. Applying an ointment with aloe or hydrocortisone can also promote quicker healing. Repeat the soaking methods as necessary until the burns diminish. If the burns persist or get worse, consult a doctor.
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