How to Stop the Burning After Cutting Hot Peppers

Peppers look harmless, but when you handle them, they may burn.

Peppers cause a range of pleasurable and sometimes painful effects on humans. Diners with a passion for spicy Mexican or Asian food may marvel at the burning sensations that peppers cause in the mouth. Cooks, on the other hand, may burn their hands while preparing the night's meal. Capsaicin is the active component of peppers that causes the burning sensation. If you burn your hands while cutting peppers, seek treatment immediately to prevent blistering and relieve the pain.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Rubbing alcohol
• Milk

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with dish detergent to remove all traces of the peppers.

2. Soak a small towel with rubbing alcohol, and dab it over the affected areas.

3. Fill a bowl with milk, and place your hands in the bowl. Soak your hands in the milk until the burning sensation subsides. The alcohol and milk help because capsaicin is soluble in fats and alcohol.

4. Wash your hands gently twice a day if blisters form after cutting the peppers. You may also apply an antibiotic ointment to relieve irritation.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent pepper burns, wear gloves when handling peppers. Avoid touching your eyes or nose while cooking.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Chile Peppers
• FreeMD: Hot Pepper Burn
• Newton BBS: Spicy Food Sensation

Resources

• CBS News: Heat Up Your Kitchen -- With Chile Peppers