How to Get Rid of Chili Burn
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
1) Try dabbing some lemon juice (lime juice or vinegar 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).
2) Rub some oil (e.g. olive oil, coconut oil, etc) over your hands after cutting the chilies. Then wash off with soap and water.
Why this works: Capsaicin is oil-soluble, so rubbing oil over it loosens the compound.
3) It may seem counter-intuitive, but if nothing else has worked, try rubbing Vicks Vaporub over your hands. Jen commented that Vicks worked for her. If anyone else tries this with good results, please do share in the comments. (UPDATE: FROM THE COMMENTS BELOW, VICKS CAN ACTUALLY MAKE THE BURNING WORSE, SO TRY ONLY AS A LAST RESORT).
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.
the oil doesnt work
I tried limes which worked for like 2 minutes.. Then it struck me! Baileys did the trick.. The perfect combination of cream/ milk and alcohol!