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How to Get Rid of Chili Burn

2009 July 16
by Samantha

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.

chillies


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.

11 Responses leave one →
  1. Kelly permalink
    August 10, 2009

    If you have chili burn in your mouth or a burning tongue from eating spicy food, try drinking milk, it works… soy milk too

  2. Don permalink
    November 8, 2009

    holy cow my mouth hurts thatns for advice

  3. January 16, 2010

    Im doing my science project and this real helps thank you

    • Samantha permalink*
      January 16, 2010

      Dear Jeremiah,

      You’re very welcome and good luck on your science project!

      Sam

  4. February 12, 2010

    i hade one the other day

  5. Anonymous permalink
    February 18, 2010

    thanks so much for this information. i have searched on many other sites and they also give me the same response that lemon/lime juice cures it. This has helped me alot in my science assignment.

  6. Michael permalink
    May 3, 2010

    None of that works……. Man up and wash & scrub your hands under fairly hot water for a good minute or 2. It burns like crazy but it washes off the chili oil. Almost like a mechanic washes off grease…. I’ve tried everything else like vodka, antacid, milk, yogurt and none of these work, i’ve even tried salt….. Just a hot hand wash with heaps of soap. Painful but effective

  7. blkem2 permalink
    May 17, 2010

    didn’t work for me either

  8. July 15, 2010

    I have used aloe vera in chilli burns and it worked…has to be the aloe vera gel or the plant itself…i let it cool in the fridge and rub it on the affected area..it soothes the burn right away

  9. porky permalink
    July 16, 2010

    my fingers hurt like hell because of the chili burns. I thought sleeping over the pain will make it go away but it didn’t! :( i tried the oil thingy it somehow lessen the burning sensation. but it still hurts. any other way to get rid of the burning sensation? :(

  10. Anonymous permalink
    August 4, 2010

    I tried all.. And hot water is the best!

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