If you’ve ever handled fresh or dried chillies, you’ve probably experienced that burning sensation on your fingers and hands at one time or another. That painful, burning feeling comes from the capsaicin in chilies and chili peppers like jalapeños.
You’ve also probably found out that washing your hands in soap and water – however long you do it – didn’t relieve the burn. Here are some tips on how to get rid of chili burn.
How to get rid of chili burn
Try dabbing some lemon juice (lime juice will work too) on the affected areas
Why this works: The citric acid in lemon and lime juice counteracts the alkaline in the chili’s capsaicin. This also explains why you only get chili burn from handling fresh or dried chilies and not chili sauces (because most chili sauces already has some acidic content in it, like lemon juice or vinegar).
How to avoid getting chili burn in the first place
Why this works: The waterproof barrier prevents the chili from ever touching your skin. Remember not to touch your eyes or face while wearing the gloves. Throw them away after use.
Why this works: Capsaicin is oil-soluble, so rubbing oil over it loosens the compound.
What it does: Cheaply and effectively soothes the pain of bee stings.
How to use it: Just rub a little on your skin and clothes. You don’t have to rub it all over so just focus on dabbing it on your ankles, wrists, neck, and inner elbows.
Copper Peptides
How To Clean Combs and Hairbrushes
Copper Peptides for Scar Reduction and Wrinkle Repair
A simple and green do-it-yourself storage solution
Relax in a Sea Salt Bath
Need a Quick-Acting Acne Fix? Break out the Calamine Lotion!
Cleanliness is Next To Fewer Breakouts (or how to clean your make-up sponges)
Use Baking Soda to Clear Build-up in Hair
Milk of Magnesia for oily skin and blackheads
Skin needling and dermarolling for scars and wrinkles
Putting on Make-up? (Don't Forget the Ice)
Tip: Go Male with Pore Strips