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

Wear surgical gloves before handling chilies

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.

Or try rubbing some oil (eg olive oil, coconut oil) over your hands after cutting the chilies. Then wash with soap and water.

Why this works: Capsaicin is oil-soluble, so rubbing oil over it loosens the compound.