From the Guidelines
Hydrocortisone cream is not recommended for treating chemical burns from jalapeño peppers. Instead, use milk, yogurt, or vegetable oil to neutralize capsaicin, the burning chemical in jalapeños. Apply these substances to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, then gently wash with mild soap and cool water. For hands, soaking in milk or a mixture of dish soap and vegetable oil works well. Avoid using water initially as it can spread the capsaicin and worsen the burn. Hydrocortisone is ineffective because jalapeño burns are not inflammatory reactions but rather direct chemical activation of pain receptors by capsaicin binding to TRPV1 receptors. Dairy products and oils are effective because capsaicin is fat-soluble and will dissolve in these substances, removing it from the skin. If severe pain persists for more than a few hours or if blistering occurs, seek medical attention. The American Heart Association guidelines 1 emphasize the importance of immediate irrigation with copious amounts of water in case of chemical burns, but this may not be effective for jalapeño burns due to the unique mechanism of capsaicin.
Some key points to consider when treating chemical burns from jalapeño peppers include:
- Avoid using hydrocortisone cream as it is ineffective for this type of burn
- Use milk, yogurt, or vegetable oil to neutralize capsaicin
- Apply these substances to the affected area for 15-20 minutes before washing with mild soap and cool water
- Avoid using water initially as it can spread the capsaicin and worsen the burn
- Seek medical attention if severe pain persists or if blistering occurs. The guidelines 1 provide general recommendations for first aid, but the specific treatment for jalapeño burns requires a different approach.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Hydrocortisone Cream
- Hydrocortisone cream is a type of corticosteroid cream that can be used to relieve skin irritations and allergic reactions.
- According to a study published in the journal Cutis 2, capsicum peppers, including jalapeno peppers, can cause irritant contact dermatitis, and high-potency topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, can help relieve the symptoms.
- Another study published in the Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology 3 found that cool tap water immersion and vegetable oil provided relief from the pain of "chile burns", but it did not specifically mention the use of hydrocortisone cream.
- A study published in the Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology 4 found that the application of 2.5% hydrocortisone in moisturizing cream did not provide relief of itching in patients with positive immediate-type allergy skin tests.
- However, a study published in the Journal of drugs in dermatology 5 compared the anti-pruritic efficacy of itch relief lotion and cream with hydrocortisone cream in patients with atopic history and found that the ceramide-containing cream provided comparable improvement in itch relief compared to hydrocortisone cream 1%.
Use of Hydrocortisone Cream for Chemical Burns
- A study published in the journal Burns 6 found that hydrocortisone administration might be useful in selected patients with severe burn injuries, but the study did not specifically address chemical burns from jalapeno peppers.
- Based on the available evidence, it appears that hydrocortisone cream may be helpful in relieving symptoms of chemical burns from jalapeno peppers, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
- It is also important to note that hydrocortisone cream should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can have side effects and interact with other medications.